UFC 320: Pereira Reclaims Light Heavyweight Gold in Las Vegas, Dvalishvili Extends Dominant Streak

Las Vegas, NV – October 5, 2025 – The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas bore witness to a night of high-stakes mixed martial arts as UFC 320 delivered a series of pivotal bouts, highlighted by Alex Pereira’s decisive recapture of the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against Magomed Ankalaev. The event also featured Merab Dvalishvili’s continued reign in the Bantamweight division and a spectacular comeback knockout from Jiri Prochazka.

Main Event: Pereira Reclaims Light Heavyweight Title in Eighty Seconds

In a highly anticipated rematch, Alex Pereira (19-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) avenged his stunning defeat from six months prior, stopping Magomed Ankalaev (18-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) via TKO just 80 seconds into the first round to reclaim the UFC Light Heavyweight title. The contest, which served as the main event of UFC 320, was steeped in narrative, with Pereira having publicly stated that he was operating "well below 100%" during their previous encounter, a sentiment that fueled his preparation for Saturday night’s showdown.

From the opening bell, Pereira demonstrated a renewed intensity and precision. After a brief feeling-out period, the Brazilian striking maestro landed a powerful left hook that visibly staggered Ankalaev. Following up with a flurry of strikes, Pereira pursued his dazed opponent, unleashing a barrage of punches that forced referee Herb Dean to intervene and stop the contest. The rapid finish underscored Pereira’s formidable power and his ability to capitalize on vulnerabilities, marking his second reign as the light heavyweight champion.

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Ankalaev, who had captured the title in their first meeting with a tactical decision victory, appeared to be caught off guard by Pereira’s early aggression and power. The Dagestani fighter, known for his composed and calculated approach, was unable to establish his rhythm before the fight was brought to an abrupt halt. This defeat marks a significant setback for Ankalaev, who will now need to regroup and potentially work his way back through the division’s top contenders.

In his post-fight comments, Pereira emphasized his commitment to proving his capabilities. "I told everyone I was not at my best last time," Pereira stated through an interpreter. "Tonight, I showed what I am capable of when I am 100%. This belt belongs to me." The victory solidifies Pereira’s unique place in UFC history, adding another championship to his decorated career across multiple weight classes. The immediate future of the light heavyweight division will likely revolve around potential challengers emerging, with some analysts suggesting a trilogy bout could be on the horizon should Ankalaev secure another significant win.

Co-Main Event: Dvalishvili Dominates Sandhagen, Extends Unbeaten Streak

In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA, 13-2 UFC) successfully defended his Bantamweight title, extending his remarkable win streak to 13 fights with a unanimous decision victory over top contender Cory Sandhagen (17-5 MMA, 10-4 UFC). The Georgian "Machine" showcased his unparalleled wrestling and relentless pressure, ultimately suffocating Sandhagen over five rounds.

The bout began with Sandhagen attempting to utilize his striking and movement to keep Dvalishvili at bay. The American contender, known for his innovative striking and athleticism, had a promising opening round, landing several significant strikes and demonstrating effective footwork to evade Dvalishvili’s initial takedown attempts. However, Dvalishvili adjusted swiftly, initiating his signature grappling assault in the subsequent rounds.

Dvalishvili set a new UFC record with an astonishing 20 takedowns in a single fight, surpassing his own previous record. His relentless pursuit of the takedown, coupled with superior top control and ground-and-pound, neutralized Sandhagen’s offensive output. The official statistics revealed Dvalishvili accumulating over 18 minutes of control time throughout the 25-minute contest, stifling any sustained offense from Sandhagen. This performance also elevated Dvalishvili’s career takedown total to an unprecedented 117, further cementing his status as one of the most dominant wrestlers in UFC history.

Judges rendered scorecards of 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46, all in favor of Dvalishvili, reflecting his overwhelming control and output. Post-fight, Dvalishvili attributed his success to unwavering dedication. "I train harder than anyone," Dvalishvili commented. "I respect Cory, he is a great fighter, but I came here to defend my title, and I will continue to defend it against anyone." Sandhagen, while disappointed, acknowledged Dvalishvili’s performance, stating, "He’s a machine, just like they say. I need to go back and work on my takedown defense and get better." Dvalishvili’s victory firmly establishes him as the undisputed king of the bantamweight division, with a growing list of contenders vying for a shot at his title.

Prochazka Delivers Signature Knockout in Light Heavyweight Clash

Earlier on the main card, Jiri Prochazka (31-4-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) once again reminded the light heavyweight division of his unique brand of unpredictability and fight-ending power, scoring a stunning third-round knockout of Khalil Rountree Jr. (13-6 MMA, 7-6 UFC). The victory came in a fight where Prochazka appeared to be trailing on the judges’ scorecards, a testament to his "never say die" attitude.

Rountree Jr. had a strong start to the fight, utilizing his powerful low kicks and precise boxing to control the distance and inflict damage. Through the first two rounds, Rountree Jr. successfully defended Prochazka’s unorthodox attacks and appeared to be accumulating points, leading to a visible advantage on the scorecards. Prochazka, known for his high-risk, high-reward style, absorbed several significant blows but continued to press forward, searching for an opening.

The decisive moment arrived in the third round. After absorbing another left hand from Rountree Jr., Prochazka unleashed a perfectly timed right head kick that connected flush, sending Rountree Jr. crashing to the canvas. The referee immediately stepped in to halt the contest at 1:47 of the third round. The knockout marked another highlight-reel finish for Prochazka, who has become synonymous with dramatic come-from-behind victories.

"I am a samurai," Prochazka declared in his post-fight interview, embodying his warrior philosophy. "I fight until the end. I felt him weakening, and I found my moment." This victory propels Prochazka further up the light heavyweight rankings, positioning him for another potential title eliminator bout in the near future. Rountree Jr., despite the loss, showcased improved striking and discipline, but ultimately fell victim to Prochazka’s renowned finishing ability.

Undercard Highlights and Notable Performances

The UFC 320 fight card featured a robust lineup of preliminary and early preliminary bouts, delivering several compelling narratives and standout performances. In a highly anticipated women’s strawweight contest, Marina Rodriguez (18-3-2 MMA, 7-3-2 UFC) secured a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over the surging Luana Pinheiro (13-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC). Rodriguez’s technical striking and experience proved crucial in navigating Pinheiro’s aggressive grappling attempts, earning her scores of 29-28 across all three judges. The win maintains Rodriguez’s position among the division’s elite contenders.

In the welterweight division, rising star Shavkat Rakhmonov (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) continued his undefeated run, submitting Geoff Neal (15-6 MMA, 7-4 UFC) via rear-naked choke in the first round. Rakhmonov’s flawless record, with all victories coming by stoppage, further solidifies his claim as a future title challenger. Neal, a tough veteran, was unable to withstand the Kazakh fighter’s relentless pressure and grappling prowess.

Elsewhere, a heavyweight slugfest saw Jairzinho Rozenstruik (15-5 MMA, 6-5 UFC) overcome Marcin Tybura (26-9 MMA, 13-8 UFC) via split decision, showcasing both fighters’ durability and power in a back-and-forth affair that delighted the crowd. On the earlier preliminary card, rising flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev (13-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) secured a dominant unanimous decision over Manel Kape (19-7 MMA, 4-3 UFC), further solidifying his position as a top-tier prospect in the 125-pound division.

UFC 320 at the T-Mobile Arena delivered on its promise of high-octane action and significant title implications. The sell-out crowd was treated to a night of memorable finishes and strategic masterclasses, shaping the landscape of multiple weight divisions. The organization now looks ahead to UFC 321, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi, where another series of pivotal matchups is expected to unfold.

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