Khabib Nurmagomedov lauds Magomed Ankalaev for ‘Amazing’ performance over Alex Pereira at UFC 313
Former undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov has heaped praise on Magomed Ankalaev after his defeat of Alex Pereira tonight to claim the light heavyweight title at UFC 313, describing the Russian’s display as “amazing.
Headlining the promotion’s return to ‘Sin City’, Makhackala native, Ankalaev sprang an upset win over the dominant light heavyweight champion, Pereira — landing a closely-contested unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) victory.
And snapping Brazilian fan-favorite, Pereira’s title reign following a splendid three-fight run last year as defending champion, Ankalaev has come under fire for his grappling and wrestling-heavy gameplan from a host of voices in the mixed martial arts space.
Khabib Nurmagomedov lauds Magomed Ankalaev after title win at UFC 313
However, one happy onlooker comes in the form of Hall of Fame star, Nurmagomedov, who lauded Ankalaev’s performance as “amazing” and congratulated him on dethroning Pereira to fan upset in Las Vegas.
Congratulations Brother @AnkalaevM you made a history,” Khabib Nurmagomedov posted on X following UFC 313. “it was amazing performance against very tough opponent.
Striking gold at the second time of trying tonight, Ankalaev managed to snatch the crown from Pereira, who while wishing the newly-minted champion well, explained how he was upset to lose on the scorecards having defended eleven takedown attempts in a disappointing performance.
“Putting me up against the cage, he (Magomed Ankalaev) didn’t really do anything,” Alex Pereira told Joe Rogan during his post-fight interview through an interpreter. “Giving him the win with a gameplan like that, it incentivizes people to do that.”
