Magomed Ankalaev ended Alex Pereira's light heavyweight reign on Saturday night, capturing the championship by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The judges scored the bout 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47 for Ankalaev.
Ankalaev (21-1-1) won his 14th striaght fight, while Pereira (12-3), ESPN's No. 2-ranked pound-for-pound fighter, lost his belt after three successful title defenses in 2024.
Ankalaev, known for his background in combat sambo, largely avoided level changes or takedown attempts in the first three rounds and tried matching Pereira in the striking game.