Relive the exciting moments from the main event clash between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. This highly anticipated fight took place on March 8th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Pereira and Ankalaev faced off in a thrilling main event that was broadcast live on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
Official Result: Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47 x2).
Watch the video highlights of the fight below.
Round 1
Referee Marc Goddard oversaw the main event. No glove touch to start. Ankalaev kept his distance, aware of Pereira’s leg kicks. Pereira landed several low switch kicks. Ankalaev responded with a leg kick but was mostly inactive. Ankalaev landed another low kick. Both fighters were cautious with their hands. Ankalaev snapped another leg kick. Pereira threw a high kick, which was blocked. Ankalaev moved forward with an overhand left. Ankalaev landed an inside leg kick, and Pereira countered with outside leg kicks. Ankalaev scored with a front kick. Ankalaev shot for a takedown in the final 30 seconds, pressing Pereira against the fence as the round ended.
Close round, but slightly favored Pereira.
Round Score: 10-9, Pereira.
Round 2
Ankalaev tried to jab, but Pereira controlled the range and continued with leg kicks. Ankalaev faked a level change and landed a front kick to the body. Another high kick from Pereira was blocked. Pereira kept targeting Ankalaev’s lead leg. Ankalaev landed a couple of effective leg kicks. Pereira landed a short jab. Ankalaev landed a left to the body but struggled to find an angle for his right hook. Ankalaev landed a strong 1-2, pushing Pereira back. Ankalaev stayed aggressive, landing a straight left and a right hook, potentially enough to win the round. Ankalaev landed a counter right. Pereira went back to outside leg kicks and a jab. Ankalaev became more confident with his hands. Ankalaev landed a left hand while taking a leg kick, then followed with a jab. Ankalaev landed a left that staggered Pereira at the end of the round!
Ankalaev’s strong response changed the momentum.
Round Score: 10-9, Ankalaev. Overall: 19-19.
Round 3
Ankalaev started round three with leg kicks and a body kick. Pereira needed to change his approach or risk falling behind. Ankalaev’s footwork was effective, and Pereira seemed hesitant to attack. Pereira continued with leg kicks. Ankalaev attempted a takedown, but Pereira defended well. Ankalaev landed a glancing left. Pereira kept chipping away with leg kicks. Ankalaev rushed in with a knee to the body while attempting to grapple, but Pereira moved away. Pereira blocked another takedown attempt and narrowly missed with a haymaker. Pereira landed a couple of counter punches. Ankalaev advanced confidently and landed a strong jab.
Pereira was more active in this round and might have taken it.
Round Score: 10-9, Pereira. Overall: 29-28 Pereira.
Round 4
Ankalaev immediately closed the distance and attempted a takedown. Pereira defended well, absorbing knees to the thigh. Ankalaev tried for a trip, but Pereira maintained his balance. Neither fighter landed significantly in the clinch. A takedown could be crucial. Pereira broke free, but Ankalaev quickly pushed him back to the fence. Ankalaev couldn’t secure the takedown, but time spent in the clinch limited Pereira’s striking. The referee separated them with about two minutes left in the round. Ankalaev landed a left hand, and Pereira responded with a leg kick. Ankalaev targeted the body. Ankalaev landed a right hand and then attempted another takedown, pushing Pereira to the fence again with less than 90 seconds remaining. Ankalaev landed a knee to the body. Pereira wasn’t visibly hurt but likely frustrated by Ankalaev’s strategy.
Round Score: 10-9, Ankalaev. Overall: 38-38.
Round 5
Ankalaev started the final round with a body kick. Pereira responded with a leg kick. Ankalaev went back to the body and then landed a right hand as Pereira threw a wild strike. Pereira landed a short left. Pereira needed more to impress the judges, depending on the scorecards. Pereira landed an inside leg kick. Ankalaev was more active with his hands this round. Pereira threw a high kick, drawing a reaction from Ankalaev. Ankalaev landed an inside leg kick. Surprisingly little action with two minutes left. Pereira landed a quick jab. Ankalaev advanced but took another jab. Ankalaev attempted a takedown with 90 seconds left, but Pereira defended. Ankalaev threatened to take the back, but Pereira remained standing. Ankalaev didn’t inflict much damage in this round, but he may have neutralized Pereira’s offense.
Round Score: 10-9, Pereira. Overall: 48-47 Pereira.
