Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Khamzat Chimaev Says He Wasn’t Surprised by Alex Pereira Knocking Out Magomed Ankalaev in the Rematch

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

In a stunning display of knockout artistry, Alex “Poatan” Pereira reclaimed the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 320 on October 4, 2025, in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. Just seven months after dropping the belt to Magomed Ankalaev via unanimous decision in their first clash at UFC 313, Pereira avenged the loss with ruthless efficiency.

Alex Pereira wasted no time. He walked up to Ankalaev and destroyed him.

One of the greatest combat sports fighters of all time. pic.twitter.com/YZ7IgyhNDr
— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) October 5, 2025

In a blistering first-round TKO, the Brazilian striker dropped the undefeated Russian with a thudding right hand, followed by a vicious flurry of punches and elbows that left Ankalaev crumpled on the floor. This victory marked Pereira’s third reign as champion across two divisions, solidifying his status as one of MMA’s most feared finishers and silencing doubters who questioned his skills and speed at 38 years old.

Chimaev’s Measured Take on Poatan’s Power

Fellow UFC standout Khamzat Chimaev, the reigning middleweight champion, offered a candid breakdown of the finish in a recent interview, revealing a respect for Pereira’s lethality that borders on admirations. “Well, I wasn’t particularly surprised because that guy hits hard.” Chimaev said. “I always knew he could land accurately. And if he lands clean, it’s not just Ankalaev, everyone’s lights will shut off. So there was always the expectation that he might connect.”

Staying true to his analytical style, the Chechen champ balanced the hype with nuance, acknowledging the bout’s razor-thin margins. “There was also the expectation that Ankalaev, just like in the first fight, could win. I wasn’t sure who would take it, it could’ve gone either way, When someone’s a powerful puncher, it’s always 50/50 when it comes to striking. Even though he doesn’t throw much, one punch can change everything.”

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Chimaev His Own 205-Pound Ambitions

Chimaev’s words carry extra weight given his own trajectory toward light heavyweight. The 31-year-old phenom, fresh off a dominant title win at UFC 319, has long hinted at vacating 185 pounds for bigger challenges and paydays. In a sit-down with Aslanbek Badaev just days after UFC 320, he explicitly called out Poatan as his dream matchup at 205 pounds. “I’d love to chase that second belt at light heavyweight.” Chimaev declared. “The guy who got the belt at 205 pounds now is a good matchup for me… They say he has a lot of power, but I’ve never been edged out in that area.”

Chimaev, who started his UFC run at welterweight before conquering middleweight, has flirted with the division since 2024, eyeing contenders like Nassourdine Imavov or Reinier de Ridder as tune-ups. Former champion Sean O’Malley even predicted the most post-UFC 319, noting Chimaev’s size and wrestling pedigree would translate seamlessly. With Pereira eyeing a heavyweight leap to face Tom Aspinall, the window for a superfight narrows but Chimaev’s blueprint is clear.

Alex Pereira

Khamzat Chimaev

Magomed Ankalaev

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