Magomed Ankalaev discusses loss of UFC light heavyweight title
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 24, 2026, 11:08 AM
Last updated Jul 24, 2026
Magomed Ankalaev spoke about the emotional effects of losing his UFC light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira. After claiming the belt from Pereira in March 2025, Ankalaev faced him again in October, where he was TKO'd in just over a minute. Despite suffering injuries prior to the fight, Ankalaev has noted he feels rejuvenated and is ready to return to the octagon as he prepares to face Bogdan Guskov on July 25 at UFC Abu Dhabi.
- •Ankalaev lost the title to Pereira in October 2025.
- •He acknowledges the loss as one of the worst days of his life.
- •Injuries affected his preparation for the title fight.
- •Ankalaev will face Guskov on July 25 at UFC Abu Dhabi.
- •He claims to be in the best shape of his life ahead of this fight.
- 11:08 AMYahoo Sports — Magomed Ankalaev: Losing UFC light heavyweight title was ‘worst day of my life’
"Magomed Ankalaev is opening up on how difficult it was to lose his light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira. Ankalaev took the belt off Pereira in March of 2025, winning a grueling five round war against “Poatan.” Seven months later, the two fought again, and this time Pereira steamrolled Ankalaev, TKOing him in just over […]
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