UFC 320 | Magomed Ankalaev’s Path to a Rematch with Pereira

Discover the rise of UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev, his skills, and upcoming title defense at UFC 320 against Alex Pereira. Don’t miss this explosive showdown.

Magomed Ankalaev: UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

Magomed Ankalaev, born on June 2, 1992, in Teletl’, Dagestan, has quickly made a name for himself in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Standing at 6’3″, Ankalaev boasts a professional MMA record of 21 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, and 1 no contest. His dominance in the octagon has earned him the title of UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. After securing the championship at UFC 313 in March 2025 with a unanimous decision victory over Alex Pereira, Ankalaev is now set to defend his title in an eagerly awaited rematch at UFC 320.

From Humble Beginnings to UFC Champion

Raised in the mountainous region of Dagestan, Ankalaev faced several challenges early in life, including the tragic loss of his father during his teenage years. This hardship drove him to become the provider for his family, which led him to pursue combat sports. Starting with Greco-Roman wrestling, Ankalaev soon transitioned into combat sambo and ultimately found his passion in mixed martial arts (MMA) around 2012. His dedication to training and overcoming personal challenges has made him one of the most resilient fighters in the UFC.

Fighting Style and Strengths

Ankalaev’s skill set is a testament to his versatility inside the octagon. His striking is precise, powerful, and impactful, while his wrestling background provides him with the ability to dominate his opponents on the ground. This well-rounded approach to mixed martial arts allows Ankalaev to adapt his game to various opponents, making him a dangerous fighter in the light heavyweight division. His blend of striking and grappling ensures he can control a fight from multiple angles, whether standing or on the ground.

UFC Career Highlights

Ankalaev’s journey in the UFC began on March 17, 2018, when he faced Paul Craig. Although Ankalaev suffered a submission loss in his debut, he quickly turned things around, embarking on an impressive 12-fight winning streak. This run led him to his title shot at UFC 313, where he faced Alex Pereira for the vacant Light Heavyweight Championship. Ankalaev emerged victorious, securing the title with a dominant unanimous decision win.

The Highly Anticipated Rematch at UFC 320

Ankalaev’s upcoming rematch against Alex Pereira at UFC 320 on October 4, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is set to be a thrilling encounter. Both fighters possess distinct strengths, making this bout one of the most anticipated in UFC history. Fans are eager to see if Ankalaev can successfully defend his title and continue his rise in the light heavyweight division.

@ufc Magomed Ankalaev is ready for his title shot 👀 #magomedankalaev #ufc #mma ♬ original sound – UFC

UFC 320 promises an explosive night of action, with Magomed Ankalaev aiming to defend his Light Heavyweight Championship against the formidable Alex Pereira. Get your tickets now for UFC 320 and don’t miss the chance to see Magomed Ankalaev defend his title in an epic showdown.