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Magomed Ankalaev Claims Alex Pereira Landed ‘Lucky Punch’

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev has dismissed Alex Pereira’s recent title victory as the result of a “lucky punch,” suggesting the Brazilian fighter exploited knowledge of an injury Ankalaev was dealing with. Pereira reclaimed the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 320 in a dominant first-round knockout just 80 seconds into their rematch, ending Ankalaev’s failed title defense.

Ankalaev, who had previously beaten Pereira in their initial meeting, claimed the aggressive start to the fight indicated Pereira was aware of his physical limitations, calling the win a fluke rather than a true reflection of their rivalry’s balance. Since the loss, Ankalaev has bounced back with a TKO win over Bogdan Guskov, signaling his intent to remain a top contender in the division.

Meanwhile, Pereira has since moved up to heavyweight, where he suffered a TKO loss to Ciryl Gane in a bid for the interim belt. With Pereira set to face Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 in December, speculation has grown about a potential return to light heavyweight—and a third fight with Ankalaev—to settle their long-standing rivalry once and for all.

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