Ankalaev Roars: New UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Has Strong Words After Dethroning Pereira

The MMA world has a new sheriff in town at 205 pounds, and he’s not being quiet about it. Magomed Ankalaev, fresh off his masterful unanimous decision victory over Alex Pereira at UFC 307, is already making waves with his post-fight declarations.

I’ve seen plenty of title changes in my time covering this sport, but there’s something different about the way Ankalaev has ascended to the light heavyweight throne. This wasn’t just a win – it was a statement.

The Coronation of Ankalaev: How It Happened

Let me paint the picture for you. Saturday night in Salt Lake City, Ankalaev stepped into the octagon with a game plan so meticulous it could’ve been framed and hung in a tactical warfare museum. The Russian standout neutralized Pereira’s vaunted striking with a blend of wrestling pressure and calculated distance management that left “Poatan” looking uncharacteristically ordinary.

Round after round, Ankalaev executed with surgical precision. His takedowns came at perfect moments, his strikes landed with purpose, and his defense remained impenetrable. By the time the judges’ scorecards were read (49-46, 49-46, 49-45), there wasn’t a soul in the arena questioning the result.

Insert image of Ankalaev having his hand raised after the decision here

The New Champion’s Bold Declarations

What’s truly fascinating is what happened after the belt was wrapped around Ankalaev’s waist. The typically reserved fighter from Dagestan suddenly had plenty to say.

“I have been waiting for this moment for years,” Ankalaev declared through his interpreter. “Everyone who doubted me, everyone who avoided fighting me, now you have nowhere to hide. I am the champion now, and I will be for a long time.”

Those words hit different coming from a man who’s been seemingly overlooked in the title picture despite his impressive 11-1-1 UFC record. Remember when he fought to that controversial draw against Jan Blachowicz for the vacant title back in December 2022? Many thought he won that fight, but he had to wait nearly two more years for another opportunity.

Ankalaev’s Hit List: Potential Challengers in His Crosshairs

The new champ didn’t stop at general statements. He named names. Specifically, Ankalaev called out both Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka as potential first defenses.

“Hill has been talking too much. Prochazka thinks he deserves another chance. I am ready for both of them, whoever the UFC gives me first,” Ankalaev stated firmly in the post-fight press conference.

You’ve got to appreciate a champion who isn’t looking to take the easy road. Here’s how the potential matchups stack up:

The Pereira Chapter: What’s Next for the Former Champ?

While Ankalaev basks in championship glory, what becomes of Alex Pereira? The Brazilian star’s meteoric rise through two weight classes hit its first major snag, but I wouldn’t count him out just yet.

“I know what I did wrong,” Pereira admitted through his translator. “I will go back, work with my team, and come back stronger. This is not the end for me at light heavyweight.”

Could we see Pereira move back down to middleweight? Or perhaps even attempt a run at heavyweight? The options are intriguing, but one thing’s for sure – “Poatan” remains one of the UFC’s biggest stars despite this setback.

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What This Means for the Light Heavyweight Division

With Ankalaev now holding the gold, the entire landscape at 205 pounds shifts dramatically. His wrestling-heavy approach and patient striking create a stylistic puzzle that contenders will need to solve.

The division hasn’t had a dominant, long-reigning champion since Jon Jones departed for heavyweight. Could Ankalaev be the man to bring stability back to light heavyweight? His skill set certainly suggests he has the tools to remain on top for some time.

Fighters like Aleksandar Rakić, Nikita Krylov, and even the rising phenom Azamat Murzakanov now have a clear target to aim for. The Russian champion has set a new standard for what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the division.

What’s Your Take?

Who would you like to see challenge Ankalaev first? Can anyone in the current light heavyweight roster deal with his wrestling and methodical approach? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or hit us up on social media with your predictions for the new champion’s first title defense.

The light heavyweight division has a new ruler, and if Saturday night was any indication, Magomed Ankalaev plans to reign with an iron fist and an even sharper tongue than we’ve seen before.

Stay tuned to our coverage as we follow the aftermath of UFC 307 and all the developments in the newly energized 205-pound division.