TLDR
- Alex Pereira knocked out Magomed Ankalaev in 80 seconds at UFC 320 to reclaim the UFC light heavyweight championship
- Pereira broke his foot during the fight while throwing a calf kick that landed on the tip of his foot
- Ankalaev suffered his first knockout loss and second career defeat, ending a 13-fight unbeaten streak
- Pereira is targeting a June 2026 return at a UFC event planned for the White House
- Ankalaev released a statement on Instagram saying the defeat will strengthen him and thanking his supporters
Alex Pereira reclaimed the UFC light heavyweight championship at UFC 320 on Saturday night in Las Vegas. The Brazilian fighter stopped Magomed Ankalaev with a knockout just 80 seconds into their rematch at T-Mobile Arena.
Pereira limped out of the octagon after the fight. At the post-fight press conference, he revealed he broke his foot during the bout.
“It’s my foot,” Pereira said. “I’m pretty sure it’s broken.”
The injury happened when Pereira was attacking Ankalaev’s legs with calf kicks. He explained that he used a strategy similar to one that worked for Jan Blachowicz against Ankalaev in a previous fight.
“The inside calf kicks were working,” Pereira said. “I threw a few of those, and then he switched stances and I think I was in the wrong range.”
Pereira threw another kick to Ankalaev’s lead leg. The kick landed on the tip of his foot, causing the break.
This is not the first time Pereira has broken a bone while winning a fight. He broke a toe during his knockout victory over Jahamal Hill at UFC 300 in April 2024.
Alex Pereira’s KO at UFC 320
— Pubity (@pubity) October 5, 2025
How The Fight Ended
Pereira came out aggressive from the opening bell. He pressured Ankalaev early and attacked his legs with kicks.
The Brazilian landed a brutal right hand that hurt the Russian fighter. Ankalaev tried to grab hold of Pereira to recover.
Instead, Ankalaev absorbed multiple elbows and punches. Referee Herb Dean stopped the fight to protect the champion.
Ankalaev’s Response
Ankalaev did not speak in the octagon after the loss. Joe Rogan did not interview him despite this being standard practice for main event title fights.
On Sunday afternoon, Ankalaev posted a statement on Instagram. He wrote the message in Russian, acknowledging his defeat.
“If Allah tested me with defeat, it means He wants to strengthen me,” Ankalaev wrote. “I bow to His will, but not to difficulties.”
The Championship History
Ankalaev had won the light heavyweight title from Pereira at UFC 313 in March 2025. His title reign lasted only months before the rematch.
The loss ended Ankalaev’s 13-fight run without a defeat. He had not lost since 2018 when Paul Craig submitted him in the final seconds of his UFC debut.
Ankalaev’s record now stands at 21-2-1 in his overall MMA career. His UFC record is 12-2-1.
This was Ankalaev’s first knockout loss in his professional career. It also marked his second career defeat overall.
Pereira’s Plans
The extent of Pereira’s foot injury remains unclear. It is not known if he will need surgery to repair the break.
Despite the injury, Pereira already has plans for his next fight. He wants to return to action in June 2026.
Pereira plans to compete at a UFC event scheduled for the White House. The event would be a historic occasion for the organization.
