A Comprehensive Analysis of UFC 313: Was Pereira Just Media Hype?
On a night that was expected to cement Alex Pereira’s legacy as one of the greatest light heavyweight champions, Magomed Ankalaev flipped the script, defeating the Brazilian not just in the octagon but also in the eyes of fans and analysts.
🔥 Magomed Ankalaev is crowned the Light Heavyweight Champion! 🏆💥
⚡️ Ends Alex Pereira’s winning streak by unanimous decision! ⚖️🥊#UFC313 pic.twitter.com/yNXQ8B2aSx
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) March 9, 2025
The Dagestani secured victory via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47), capturing the light heavyweight title in a fight that revealed a lot about a champion who failed to meet expectations.
Was Pereira a Victim of Media Hype?
Since joining the UFC, Alex Pereira has received massive media coverage, often described as a “destruction machine” and an “unstoppable striker.” However, when faced with his first real test against an elite wrestler, the promotional image crumbled quickly. Was Pereira truly the beast he was hyped up to be, or just a good fighter who benefited from the right timing and smart marketing?
Against Ankalaev, Pereira didn’t display the level of dominance that justified the hype. Despite starting strong with low kicks to slow his opponent’s movement, he struggled under the relentless pressure of the Dagestani, who showcased mental toughness and advanced fight strategy.
Ankalaev: A True Champion or Just a Smart Tactician?
Magomed Ankalaev was never the most popular name in the light heavyweight division, but he proved that performance inside the cage matters more than any promotional push. The Russian executed a calculated approach—absorbing Pereira’s early attacks before gradually taking control, ultimately dominating the later rounds.
"What just happened?! Ankalaev takes down Pereira in the second round with an incredible force 🤯! A devastating blow that knocked out the champion and left everyone in awe! Did you see that brutal KO? Ankalaev proves he's a force to be reckoned with in the octagon! 🥊🔥 #ShockOf pic.twitter.com/GDnHKSq5tT
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) March 9, 2025
The key question now is: Does Ankalaev’s victory establish him as the best in the division, or did it simply expose Pereira’s limitations?
Technical Breakdown: Where Did Pereira Go Wrong?
🔹 Over-reliance on Knockout Power – Pereira seemed to bank on finishing the fight with a single power shot, but he failed to break through Ankalaev’s solid defense.
🔹 Weakness Against Wrestling – While he has improved his grappling, Pereira was still unprepared for Ankalaev’s relentless wrestling and takedown attempts.
🔹 Fatigue and Struggle to Control the Pace – As the fight progressed, Pereira’s activity dropped, while Ankalaev continued pressing forward and neutralizing his offense.
What’s Next? Will There Be a Rematch?
Following the fight, speculation began on whether the UFC would grant an immediate rematch. UFC President Dana White hinted that a “rematch could be on the table.” But does Pereira truly deserve another shot, or did Ankalaev’s victory leave no room for doubt?
The Future of Ankalaev and Pereira
📌 Ankalaev: A New Era in Light Heavyweight?
With this victory, Magomed Ankalaev is now seen as the new king of the division, but tough challenges lie ahead. Top contenders like Jiří Procházka and Jamahal Hill are waiting in the wings, both presenting unique threats. Can the Dagestani defend his title against these dangerous opponents, or will his reign be short-lived?
📌 Pereira: Does He Deserve a Rematch, or Is His Story Over?
For Alex Pereira, this fight could be a turning point in his career. Will he come back stronger and demand a rematch, or should he reconsider his strategy—or even move back to middleweight, where he previously thrived? His performance against Ankalaev doesn’t guarantee an immediate rematch, but his star power might convince the UFC to give him another shot.
Conclusion: A Lesson from UFC 313 – Hype Doesn’t Make Champions!
UFC 313 served as a reminder that media hype alone doesn’t create real champions. Ankalaev wasn’t the promotional favorite, but he was the better fighter on the night. As for Pereira, this loss raises more questions than answers. Can he rebuild himself, or was his success just a promotional bubble that burst under the weight of a true test?
The coming weeks will reveal a lot about the future of this division. Are we entering a new era with Ankalaev, or will Pereira bounce back and prove that this defeat was just a temporary setback?
