“BIG LOSER”! Magomed Ankalaev Blasts Alex Pereira in UFC 313 Title Fight Loss
The dust has barely settled on UFC 313, but the fallout from Magomed Ankalaev’s controversial unanimous decision victory over Alex Pereira to claim the UFC light heavyweight title has already ignited a firestorm of tension and trash talk. In a post-fight press conference that stretched into the early hours of Monday, Ankalaev didn’t hold back, labeling Pereira a “big loser” and accusing him of dodging a real fight during their five-round battle at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night. The stinging remarks, coupled with Pereira’s gracious yet defiant response, have set the stage for a potential rematch that could redefine the 205-pound division. The controversy, trending under #UFC313 on social media, continues to divide fans, with the MMA world grappling to make sense of a decision that has left many questioning the judges’ call.
The main event saw Ankalaev, a 32-year-old Dagestani wrestler with a 21-1-1 record, end Pereira’s impressive reign with scorecards reading 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47. Pereira, 37, entered the fight with a 12-3 record and a flawless 5-0 streak at light heavyweight, bolstered by three knockout defenses in 2024 against Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. Known for his explosive striking, Pereira started strong with leg kicks in the first round, but Ankalaev’s relentless pressure and clinch work shifted momentum. Despite failing on all 12 takedown attempts, Ankalaev’s control time—over five minutes against the cage—wore Pereira down, securing a victory that many fans and fighters deemed lackluster and undeserved.
Ankalaev wasted no time in throwing verbal jabs post-fight. “He was running away from me for 20 minutes,” Ankalaev said through a translator, his tone dripping with disdain. “A big loser who calls himself a champion shouldn’t complain about the decision. I pressured him the whole time, and he did nothing but run. If he’s confused about who won, he should look in the mirror.” The Dagestani fighter’s comments echo a narrative emerging from some corners of the MMA community—that Pereira, a striker by trade, was outmaneuvered by Ankalaev’s grinding style, which prioritized stalling over spectacle. This has fueled accusations that the judges rewarded Ankalaev’s persistence over Pereira’s more effective, albeit sporadic, striking.
Pereira, while disappointed, maintained his composure, telling reporters, “I knew it would be a war. He put some pressure, but pinning me against the cage isn’t winning—it’s surviving. I’ll make adjustments and be back.” His remarks suggest a rematch is on the horizon, a sentiment echoed by UFC CEO Dana White, who hinted it’s “probably the next move.” Yet, the Brazilian’s frustration was palpable, especially after a fifth round where a head kick dazed Ankalaev but failed to turn the tide, leaving Pereira unable to secure the finish he needed.
The establishment narrative praises Ankalaev’s tactical mastery, with analysts like Daniel Cormier noting his ability to neutralize Pereira’s power. However, this view is challenged by the outcry from fans and fighters who argue the decision overlooked Pereira’s 108 total strikes—48 of them leg kicks—against Ankalaev’s 102, despite the latter’s control time. Posts found on social media reveal a split: some hail Ankalaev’s endurance, while others call it a “robbery,” pointing to Pereira’s defensive resilience and the boos that rang out as the decision was announced.
This controversy raises broader questions about judging criteria in MMA. Should clinch work and pressure outweigh striking impact? The UFC’s silence on potential rule adjustments only deepens the divide. For now, Ankalaev’s title reign begins with a bitter edge, and Pereira’s promise of a comeback looms large. Whether this loss truly marks the end of “Poatan’s” dominance or sets up a redemption arc remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for updates as the #UFC313 saga unfolds!
