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Alex Pereira's reign in the UFC light heavyweight division came to an end on March 9 in Las Vegas. The Brazilian, one of the company's biggest superstars after a historic 2024 with three defenses, lost the belt by unanimous decision to Magomed Ankalaev. The Russian becomes the third UFC champion from Dagestan after Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev; the first in that weight class.
No Chama. That could be the summary of the fight. It was an intelligent fight by the Russian who dominated in the striking and knew how to cool down with the fight (despite Pereira's 100% takedown defense) against an unrecognizable 'Poatan' who hardly took his hands out and only exhibited kicking. The judges unanimously decided in favor of the Dagestani, in a coherent decision after what was seen in the cage, although there are diverse opinions regarding the third round
In the co-main event, expectations were more than met. The rematch between Gaethje (26-5) and Fiziev (12-4) offered an impressive dose of controlled violence. And again, the American won. A comeback in a three-round fight that fell short. The show called for five. But Justin knew how to mature the fight and ended up beating the Azerbaijani fighter in a fight where there was blood, respect, fighting, clinch strikes, striking and even some ground fighting in the first round
Bahamondes is a reality
It was also a positive evening for the Spanish-speaking fighters. Ignacio 'La Jaula' Bahamondes (17-5), who spoke to MARCA a few days ago, took Jalin Turner (14-9) out of the lightweight TOP 15 with a spectacular first-round leg triangle submission
The Chilean prospect, who continues to grow by leaps and bounds, proved that he can also dominate on the ground and not only in striking, as many believed.
The knockout of the year
But one of the moments of the night was for Mauricio Ruffy (12-1) and the Fighting Nerds. The Brazilian, 3-0 in the UFC, knocked out a veteran like King Green (32-17-1) in the first round with an epic spinning kick that is already a direct candidate for K.O. of the year. Or without debate. It was perfect.
Another victory for the Brazilian team (Jean Silva, Borralho, Prates and Ruffy in the men's category, undefeated in the UFC) that consolidates its presence in 2025 where they will seek, who knows, to get closer to having their first champion.