Poatan regains UFC Light Heavyweight belt in dramatic fashion

Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira climbed back to the top of the UFC Light Heavyweight ranks this weekend following a dominant victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320.

UFC 320 showcased a stacked card of superstars that included the likes of Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, and former Light Heavyweight contenders Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree.

In the co-main event, Dvalishvili retained his title via a Unanimous Decision over Cory Sandhagen. The Georgian secured numerous takedowns across the five-rounder following a good start by the contender.

However, it was Dvalishvili's grappling and ground game that ultimately won him the fight as Sandhagen struggled to contend with the champion’s relentless pressure.

In the main event, Pereira once proved why he is considered among the best of his generation with a statement win over the former LHW kingpin.

Nicknamed ‘Poatan’, meaning ‘Hands of stone’, Pereira made his intentions known and started the fight with a stiff one-two combination that immediately put Ankalaev on the back-foot.

The Brazilian kick-boxer took no backward step since the first bell, as an overhand right sent Ankaleav to the ground. While the former champion attempted a leg hook on his way down, Pereira positioned himself on his opponent before ending the fight with vicious elbows to the head.

Speaking after the fight Pereria expressed that vengeance was not foremost on his mind and revealed that he was not in shape in their first bout.

“Vengeance is never a good thing, it’s kind of a poison sometimes,” said Pereira.

“I told everyone I was not in good condition last time. Everyone saw it tonight.”

UFC 320 MAIN CARD RESULTS

Main event: Magomed Ankalaev v Alex Pereira (Pereira wins by first round KO/TKO)

Co-main event: Merab Dvalishvili v Cory Sandhagen (Dvalishvili wins by decision)

Jiri Prochazka v Khalil Rountree (Prochazka wins by third round KO/TKO)

Josh Emmett v Youssef Zalal (Zalal wins by first round submission)

Abusupiyan Magomedov v Joe Pyfer (Pyfer wins by second round submission)