Ali Akbar Rosady
For the second consecutive event involving the light heavyweight championship, the title changed hands as Alex Pereira exacted revenge on Magomed Ankalaev on Saturday, November 16, via first-round knockout in the main event of UFC 320 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The victory avenged Pereira’s March defeat to Ankalaev and solidified his position atop the 205-pound division. In the co-main event, bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili successfully defended his title for the third time, delivering a dominant performance against Cory Sandhagen. The night showcased significant developments for several top contenders across multiple weight classes, reshaping the championship landscape.
Alex Pereira Reasserts Dominance with Swift Knockout
Seven months after a contentious unanimous decision loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, where many observers noted a subdued performance, Alex Pereira emphatically reclaimed his light heavyweight title. The Brazilian striking sensation dispatched his Dagestani opponent in a mere 80 seconds, a stark contrast to their first encounter. Pereira, who later revealed he was fighting at "just 40%" capacity during their initial bout due to undisclosed injuries and illness, eliminated any lingering doubts about his form or age at 38. The rematch served as a powerful declaration that Pereira’s devastating power and composure under pressure remain unparalleled.
From the opening bell, Pereira adopted an aggressive strategy, immediately closing the distance and applying relentless pressure. His advance culminated in a perfectly timed lead right hand that connected flush, sending Ankalaev to the canvas and prompting the referee to halt the contest. This decisive victory not only reclaimed the championship but also underscored Pereira’s unique trajectory in mixed martial arts. Having made his UFC debut at 34 after a decorated career in GLORY kickboxing, where he secured multiple world titles across two weight classes, Pereira’s ascent in the UFC has been remarkably swift and impactful. He has now headlined his sixth consecutive pay-per-view card, boasting a 10-2 professional record within the UFC. His four-year run in the promotion includes championships in two distinct weight classes (middleweight and light heavyweight), with this latest victory marking his second reign at 205 pounds. Notably, eight of his twelve walks to the Octagon have been in championship bouts, a testament to his immediate impact and consistent presence at the sport’s highest level.
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Pereira’s Return to Prominence and Future Divisional Prospects
Alex Pereira’s dominant victory arrives at a strategically opportune moment for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. During his post-fight interview, Pereira revealed he had initially prepared a callout speech but opted against it, instead leading the T-Mobile Arena crowd in a moment of silence to honor the recent passing of Jon Jones’ brother, Arthur. However, following the pay-per-view’s conclusion, UFC CEO Dana White disclosed that Pereira and his management team had approached him prior to the Ankalaev rematch, expressing interest in a potential move to the heavyweight division. This aligns with recent comments from Pereira regarding the increasing difficulty he faces in making the 205-pound light heavyweight limit.
While Pereira still possesses at least one highly compelling light heavyweight title defense option in the form of Carlos Ulberg, who recently extended his impressive win streak to nine by knocking out Dominick Cruz, the prospect of Pereira entering the heavyweight division carries significant promotional buzz. The UFC is poised to commence a new seven-year broadcasting agreement with Paramount (the parent company of CBS Sports) in January 2025 and has committed to staging a historic event at the White House in June, which White has touted as the largest card in company history. The potential inclusion of Pereira in the heavyweight picture could serve as a monumental draw for these upcoming ventures.
Whether Pereira chooses to test himself against a top contender within the heavyweight division, pursues a highly anticipated superfight with former two-time champion Jon Jones (who is currently sidelined with injury), or ultimately challenges the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, each scenario promises to be a must-see affair. The heavyweight division has, at times, faced criticism for a perceived lack of elite depth, and Pereira’s arrival could inject a fresh narrative and new level of excitement. Furthermore, Pereira could embark on a quest to achieve the unprecedented feat of becoming the first three-division champion in UFC history, an accomplishment that, if realized, would firmly cement "Poatan" in the conversation for the greatest fighter of all time.
Merab Dvalishvili Fortifies Bantamweight Legacy
In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili, the reigning bantamweight champion, delivered a masterful performance, securing his third title defense against the highly skilled Cory Sandhagen. Despite losing the initial round to Sandhagen’s tactical striking and movement, Dvalishvili’s signature relentless pressure and unparalleled cardio allowed him to systematically dismantle his opponent over the subsequent four rounds. The Georgian native’s strategic adjustments and unwavering pace made his eventual domination appear almost effortless.
Dvalishvili nearly secured a stoppage in Round 2, landing a flurry of strikes that visibly rocked Sandhagen. However, it was his grappling that ultimately defined the contest. "The Machine" executed an astonishing 20 successful takedowns over the course of the five-round bout, setting a new UFC record for a five-round fight. This performance further extended his career record for total UFC takedowns to an incredible 117.
Comparing greatness within a division as historically rich as bantamweight is a complex task. Previous discussions often centered around figures like Dominick Cruz or TJ Dillashaw as the division’s all-time best. However, with a lineage that also includes former champions Aljamain Sterling, Henry Cejudo, and Renan Barao, Dvalishvili is rapidly building a compelling case for himself as the greatest 135-pound fighter in UFC history. His victory over Sandhagen tied him for the divisional record of three title defenses and extended his current win streak to an astounding 14 consecutive fights, placing him just two victories shy of Anderson Silva’s legendary UFC record of 16.
Dvalishvili’s true measure of divisional dominance is perhaps best illustrated by the quality of his opponents over his last eight bouts. This remarkable run includes consecutive victories over former champions and top contenders such as Marlon Moraes, Jose Aldo, Petr Yan, Henry Cejudo, two wins over Sean O’Malley (before his championship run), Umar Nurmagomedov, and now Cory Sandhagen. Short of a hypothetical contest against his close friend and teammate, former champion Aljamain Sterling, Dvalishvili has effectively cleaned out his era within the bantamweight division, leaving a trail of elite competition in his wake.
Jiri Prochazka Delivers Another Electrifying Performance
Former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka once again lived up to his reputation as a certified MMA treasure, delivering a wild comeback knockout victory over Khalil Rountree Jr. in a pivotal light heavyweight clash. After two rounds where he appeared visibly off-balance and struggled to counter Rountree’s heavy strikes, the Czech Republic native resorted to his signature chaotic style in an electrifying Round 3 rally.
Prochazka’s strategy shifted to relentless forward pressure, designed to exhaust Rountree and create openings. This approach paid dividends, leaving Rountree vulnerable to the former champion’s power. The finish came courtesy of a perfectly timed rocket left hook that sent Rountree Jr. crashing to the canvas face down, marking an emphatic end to the contest. This fight continued Prochazka’s remarkable streak of not reaching the final bell, a run that incredibly stretches back 16 consecutive fights to 2016. Few, if any, fighters in the UFC can match Prochazka’s unique blend of excitement, unpredictability, granite chin, and delightful eccentricity. The iron-chinned Prochazka improved his Octagon record to 6-0 against all opponents not named Alex Pereira, solidifying his standing as a top contender and potentially positioning him for another shot at the light heavyweight title, although the immediate championship picture may be impacted by Pereira’s recent win over Ankalaev.
Youssef Zalal Emerges as a Featherweight Contender
Youssef Zalal quietly catapulted himself into featherweight contention with a dominant performance against veteran Josh Emmett. Following a February decision win over Calvin Kattar that left some fans unimpressed, Zalal made a concerted effort on Saturday to alter perceptions. He even offered a public apology following his victory over Emmett for his cautious approach in the previous fight, acknowledging his tendency to circle away, fade late, and the subsequent accusation of Kattar greasing.
Zalal’s performance against Emmett was a stark contrast, showcasing aggression and efficiency. He secured a submission victory in just 98 seconds, swiftly taking Emmett down, instantly securing his back, and forcing a verbal tap via armbar. This impressive win extended Zalal’s overall win streak to eight consecutive fights and improved his record to 5-0 in his second stint within the UFC. Given the dynamic shifts within the featherweight division, with new faces emerging at the top, Zalal is contributing significantly to the division’s reloading of talent. His dominant performance against a top-10 opponent like Emmett should place him firmly in line for a significant matchup against a top-5 ranked featherweight in his next outing.
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