The highly anticipated UFC 320 event delivered an unforgettable night of action, headlined by the rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was electric as fans witnessed one of the most thrilling cards of the year. With high stakes, explosive knockouts, and technical masterclasses, UFC 320 lived up to the hype and left the MMA world buzzing. Here’s a breakdown of the results and analysis of the main event and other key fights.
Main Event: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 – A Battle for Redemption
The main event saw Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira step into the octagon for the second time, with both fighters looking to settle the score after their controversial draw in their first encounter. Ankalaev, known for his suffocating grappling and precise striking, entered the fight as the favorite. Pereira, the former kickboxing champion, aimed to prove his dominance in the light heavyweight division with his devastating knockout power.
The fight started with Pereira showcasing his striking prowess, landing sharp leg kicks and keeping Ankalaev at bay. However, Ankalaev’s patience and game plan paid off in the second round as he secured a takedown and controlled Pereira on the ground. Despite Pereira’s efforts to escape, Ankalaev’s ground-and-pound game was relentless.
In the third round, Ankalaev’s wrestling took center stage as he dragged Pereira to the canvas again, maintaining top control and landing heavy shots. Pereira, visibly fatigued, struggled to find his rhythm. The fourth round saw a brief resurgence from Pereira, who landed a few clean strikes, but Ankalaev quickly neutralized the threat with another takedown.
The fifth round was a testament to Ankalaev’s conditioning and discipline. He continued to dominate on the ground, leaving Pereira with no answers. The judges unanimously scored the fight in favor of Ankalaev (49-46, 49-46, 48-47), crowning him the victor and solidifying his position as a top contender in the light heavyweight division.
Post-fight, Ankalaev called for a title shot, stating, “I’ve proven myself time and time again. It’s time for me to fight for the belt.” Pereira, gracious in defeat, acknowledged Ankalaev’s skills but vowed to come back stronger.
Co-Main Event: Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan – A Grappler’s Delight
In the co-main event, former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira faced rising star Arman Tsarukyan in a battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. Oliveira, known for his submission skills, looked to bounce back from his previous loss, while Tsarukyan aimed to cement his status as a future title contender.
The fight was a technical showcase, with both fighters exchanging strikes and grappling exchanges. Oliveira’s jiu-jitsu was on full display as he attempted multiple submissions, but Tsarukyan’s defensive skills and relentless pressure kept him in the fight. In the end, Tsarukyan secured a split decision victory (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), handing Oliveira his second consecutive loss.
Other Notable Fights
- Jessica Andrade vs. Amanda Lemos: Andrade proved why she’s one of the most dangerous women in the strawweight division, securing a second-round TKO victory with her signature power punches.
- Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev: Rozenstruik showcased his knockout power, finishing Gaziev with a devastating uppercut in the first round.
- Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nassourdine Imavov: Chimaev continued his dominance with a first-round submission, further solidifying his claim for a middleweight title shot.
Final Thoughts
UFC 320 was a night of redemption, upsets, and jaw-dropping performances. Ankalaev’s victory over Pereira has set the stage for an exciting future in the light heavyweight division, while Tsarukyan’s win over Oliveira has shaken up the lightweight rankings. As the MMA world looks ahead, one thing is clear: the road to the titles just got more thrilling.
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