Magomed Ankalaev had a surprising and tough night on October 4, 2025, at UFC 320 in Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena . Widely seen as the favorite, the Russian light heavyweight approached the bout with a respectable 21-1-1 log. But Alex Pereira astonished everybody when he knocked Ankalaev out in the very first round, only 1 minute and 20 seconds into the battle. The defeat terminated Ankalaev's great winning streak and made MMA experts, analysts, and fans wonder what comes next. Questions surround who he may next face, how he may regain momentum, and if he can keep competing at the highest level now that he has started. level of the UFC 's light heavyweight division .
Who are Magomed Ankalaev’s possible next opponents
After UFC 320, Magomed Ankalaev’s next fight is uncertain. UFC matchmakers and President Dana White will have to carefully plan his return to the Octagon. Among the contenders he could face are Khalil Rountree Jr. and Jamahal Hill.
Ranked No. 4, Rountree also knocked out lost at UFC 320 to Jiri Prochazka. Three consecutive defeats have brought former champion Jamahal Hill onto the scene. Earlier this year, Hill challenged Ankalaev to a fight on social media.
Given that both boxers have recently lost, though, a match between them might not be set soon. Though a third fight with Alex Pereira is a possibility for later on, Pereira's dominating first-round victory could delay a rematch.
UFC authorities will have to choose the ideal strategy to keep Ankalaev active while providing him a chance to restore his confidence and rankings in the division.
Also Read: Usman Nurmagomedov Vs. Paul Hughes 2: PFL Champions Series 3 Full Results And Highlights
Magomed Ankalaev’s legacy and praise from Khabib Nurmagomedov
Magomed Ankalaev continues among Russia's top UFC competitors even with this loss. Unlike many Dagestani fighters who depend mostly on wrestling and Sambo, Ankalaev is noted for his deft striking, clean technique, and powerful knockout ability.
Over almost seven years in the UFC, he has fought a great diversity of opponents, from strong veterans to peers his own age, creating a 21-1-1 marks that gained him MMA world regard.
Even in retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov has praised Ankalaev, calling him “one of the best to ever do it in Russia” and highlighting how he keeps improving with each fight.
At 33, Ankalaev defines the best Russian fighter in the UFC's light heavyweight division together with Khamzat Chimaev. Fans are carefully monitoring his comeback, what changes he makes, and if he can continue to shape the future of Russian MMA at the top level.
Who are Magomed Ankalaev’s possible next opponents
After UFC 320, Magomed Ankalaev’s next fight is uncertain. UFC matchmakers and President Dana White will have to carefully plan his return to the Octagon. Among the contenders he could face are Khalil Rountree Jr. and Jamahal Hill.
Ranked No. 4, Rountree also knocked out lost at UFC 320 to Jiri Prochazka. Three consecutive defeats have brought former champion Jamahal Hill onto the scene. Earlier this year, Hill challenged Ankalaev to a fight on social media.
IT'S POATAN'S BELT 🗿🏆
— UFC (@ufc) October 5, 2025
Alex Pereira defeats Magomed Ankalaev at #UFC320 by TKO to become the light heavyweight champion of the world! pic.twitter.com/PunuLaXYMU
Given that both boxers have recently lost, though, a match between them might not be set soon. Though a third fight with Alex Pereira is a possibility for later on, Pereira's dominating first-round victory could delay a rematch.
UFC authorities will have to choose the ideal strategy to keep Ankalaev active while providing him a chance to restore his confidence and rankings in the division.
Also Read: Usman Nurmagomedov Vs. Paul Hughes 2: PFL Champions Series 3 Full Results And Highlights
Magomed Ankalaev’s legacy and praise from Khabib Nurmagomedov
Magomed Ankalaev continues among Russia's top UFC competitors even with this loss. Unlike many Dagestani fighters who depend mostly on wrestling and Sambo, Ankalaev is noted for his deft striking, clean technique, and powerful knockout ability.
Over almost seven years in the UFC, he has fought a great diversity of opponents, from strong veterans to peers his own age, creating a 21-1-1 marks that gained him MMA world regard.
Even in retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov has praised Ankalaev, calling him “one of the best to ever do it in Russia” and highlighting how he keeps improving with each fight.
At 33, Ankalaev defines the best Russian fighter in the UFC's light heavyweight division together with Khamzat Chimaev. Fans are carefully monitoring his comeback, what changes he makes, and if he can continue to shape the future of Russian MMA at the top level.
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