Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) had to take the hardest of hard roads to get his chance at gold. Similar to fellow champs Belal Muhammad and Merab Dvalishvili, the long path consisting of a double digit unbeaten streak is what it took for Ankalaev to get his opportunity to challenge Pereira, and he got the job done by unanimous decision.
Alex Pereira lost his light heavyweight title and his future could be at heavyweight, and Justin Gaethje revived his career with a win and still has more to give.
Magomed Ankalaev scored a stunning upset with a unanimous decision to take Alex Pereira’s undisputed light heavyweight belt at UFC313.
Justin Gaethje achieved a unanimous win against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, marking his comeback after a TKO defeat to Max Holloway. Fiziev replaced Dan Hooker due to injury, providing tough competition despite a lower rank.