Russia'a Ankalaev becomes new UFC light heavyweight champion

Washington, March 9 - Russia'a Magomed Ankalaev has defended Brazil's Alex Pereira and become a new UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) light heavyweight champion.

Ankalaev, 32, won 49-46, 48-47, 48-47 on the judges' scorecards in the main event of UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Ankalaev's win brings him full circle from his first title shot at UFC 282 in December 2022 against Jan Blachowicz that saw Ankalaev fall short of claiming the interim belt.

Pereira's loss ends a highly publicized streak of three title defenses within the last year, a stretch that saw Pereira, 37, become arguably the biggest star in the sport.