The Russian sensation edged Pereira in the main event at UFC 313 to be crowned the new undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world
Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira at UFC 313 to win the light-heavyweight title(Image: Zuffa LLC)
The official scorecards have been released after Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira to become the undisputed UFC light-heavyweight champion.
Pereira was hoping to successfully defend his light-heavyweight strap for a fourth time in Las Vegas in the main event at UFC 313. Many felt as if Ankalaev’s wrestling would be the deciding factor in the dust-up. However, it was his striking that seemingly caught ‘Poatan’ off-guard.
The Russian stunned Pereira at the end of the second round with a combination that sent the champion stumbling onto the fence. From then on in, ‘Poatan’ struggled to really get a foothold of the championship match-up. It was a fight where both men had their moments. In the final round, the Brazilian pushed forward in an attempt to get a late stoppage – but it wasn’t to be.
It was certainly an intriguing contest, with a few rounds close to score, but the judges felt there was a clear winner after five rounds as the official scorecards read: 48-47, 48-47, 49,46, all in favour of Ankalaev – who extended his unbeaten run to 14 fights.
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It has now been revealed how the judges got to that verdict. All of them agreed that Pereira won the first round fairly comfortably before they all gave the challenger the second round. Many felt as if it all came down to the third round, in what was a tough one to score. That said, it clearly wasn’t that difficult to the officials – who all scored the round in favour of the Russian.
They all then agreed that Ankalaev then took the fourth round. Heading into the final five minutes, the Brazilian needed a finish as he was 3-1 down on all of the scorecards. Despite not getting the knockout, it was clear that he took the fifth round. Both Mike Bell and Derek Clearly gave ‘Poatan’ the fifth, but sensationally, judge Sal D’Amato felt as if Magomed did enough to win the final five minutes.
After the scorecards were released, many were quick to offer the verdict. One fan wrote: “Need new judges. Anyone who gives that many points for leaning on someone for that long not causing damage, and failing to secure a takedown should deduct points.” Another posted: “Giving Ankalaev 3 is bad enough, but 5?????? Are we dead***.” A third commented: “1/3/5 for Alex. Wrestling scoring is out of hand and needs to be reevaluated,” while a fourth wrote: “Rigged.” Another posted: “Robbed,” while another fan wrote: “Did nothing against the fence that would warrant a belt change. I like them both but alex edged it as no damage against fence done. He hugged him to stop the striking.”
That said, there were a few fans who felt as if Magomed did enough to edge the contest. “Ankalaev won clear as day, anyone think not is biased against it. He both out struck him, had more octagon control, and out grappled him. Only thing Pereira did better was leg kicks, which over time became less effective due to the pressure. Give credit where its due,” one wrote. A second posted: “Wanted Alex, but I had Ankalaev 48-47.” Another commented: “4-1 Ankalaev .. Pereira was off and under attack most of the time.”
Speaking after the win, Ankalaev said: “I can’t even put it into words, it’s been such a long way, and here’s my dream: it’s on my waist. I don’t think anything surprised me. I think I could have done a better job in the fight, but something just wasn’t working out. The plan was to pressure, pressure, pressure. Everyone who fights against him always counters, but my job was to fight as No 1.”
