Pereira regains UFC light heavyweight title with 80-second KO

Alex Pereira reclaimed the UFC light heavyweight title with an 80 second knockout of Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 320 on Saturday at T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Pereira landed a right hand early in the first round that dropped Ankalaev, then followed with ground strikes until the referee stopped the bout, restoring the Brazilian as champion in decisive fashion.

The finish was abrupt after a rematch that many expected to be closely contested. Pereira pressured from the opening bell, targeting Ankalaev’s body and head and forcing the former champion to retreat toward the cage. Official fight statistics showed Pereira landed 28 significant strikes to Ankalaev’s four, reflecting a dominant, fast-paced start that left little room for a prolonged contest.

Ankalaev entered the fight carrying a rib injury sustained about three weeks earlier, his manager said, and footage circulated on social media showed him receiving treatment in the build-up. Several members of Ankalaev’s camp reportedly advised him to withdraw, and observers said the injury limited his ability to spar fully during the Las Vegas training camp. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, who commented on the event,...