In recent days, a video has surfaced showing that Ankalaev injured his rib in the lead-up to the fight, yet he still competed despite the injury.<\/p>\n
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Oct 4, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, UNITED STATES; Magomed Ankalaev (red gloves) reacts after the fight against Alex Pereira (blue gloves) during UFC 320 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images \/ Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
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Oct 4, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, UNITED STATES; Magomed Ankalaev (red gloves) reacts after the fight against Alex Pereira (blue gloves) during UFC 320 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images \/ Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
“Magomed Ankalaev fought against Alex Poatan at #UFC320 with a broken rib,” Guimaraes wrote Monday. “I confirmed that part of the team tried to prevent the Russian from competing, but the decision was not unanimous.”<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Undefeated MMA fighter delivers 15-second KO in front of UFC’s Dana White<\/a><\/p>\n Fighting injured is nothing new in MMA, but given the pressure Ankalaev was under to defend his title to top a championship doubleheader for the UFC, it’s recognizable to see why the now-former champion went ahead with the fight.<\/p>\n Nonetheless, though, it backfired in a big way, as Ankalaev’s 14-fight unbeaten streak was snapped as a rejuvenated Pereira left no doubt that the first fight was simply a a small bump during an effortless run of dominance for Pereira that saw him be a key asset for the UFC by headlining three pay-per-views in the same year, including UFC 300.<\/p>\n Now, it remains to be seen how quickly, or how long, Ankalaev decides to sit out or return to the promotion. Given that Ankalaev fights one or two times per year, it’s safe to assume he will do the same next year, as Pereira’s options remain wide-open at both light heavyweight and heavyweight for massive fights down the line.<\/p>\n Oct 4, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, UNITED STATES; Alex Pereira (blue gloves) reacts after the fight against Magomed Ankalaev (red gloves) during UFC 320 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images \/ Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images<\/p>\n For now, though, the series is tied at a fight apiece. While there may be unfinished business between the two, it’s clear Pereira didn’t lay down for Ankalaev in the rematch, and Ankalaev failed to capitalize on his newfound momentum as the then-champion.<\/p>\n Pereira will not sit back and wait for his next challenger, as such Ankalaev can also wait to see whether Pereira takes a risk by moving up to heavyweight, which would open the door for the promotion to institute an interim belt. Or, better yet, undisputed.<\/p>\n If this past Saturday night taught the MMA community anything, it’s that the unpredictability of the UFC’s champions is extremely apparent, arguably ushering in a new, puzzling era of the sport, where little is in unison.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Alex Pereira called out by undefeated UFC champion for surprise superfight<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Magomed Ankalaev releases first statement after losing UFC title to Alex Pereira<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Alex Pereira reveals he suffered brutal injury during UFC 320 fight<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0UFC’s Dana White makes bold claim about Merab Dvalishvili’s bantamweight GOAT status<\/a><\/p>\n Stick with\u00a0MMAKnockout<\/a>\u00a0for more FREE coverage of the UFC and MMA.<\/p>\n Follow MMAKnockout on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>, and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n