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Brazilian Star Alex Pereira Reclaims Light Heavyweight Title in ‘Chama’-Fueled Rematch at UFC 320 Las Vegas, Nevada – Brazilian striking specialist Alex Pereira has reclaimed the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, defeating rival Magomed Ankalaev via first-round technical knockout (TKO) in the main event of UFC 320 in Las Vegas on Saturday. The emphatic victory, secured in just 80 seconds, marks the second time Pereira, 38, has held the 205-pound title and settled one of the sport's most intense recent rivalries. The dramatic, rapid conclusion has solidified the reputation of the fighter—often known by his signature catchphrase "Chama"—as one of the most powerful and consequential champions in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) roster. Swift Reversal of Fortune Pereira's performance was a decisive reversal of the pair's previous encounter at UFC 313 in March 2025, where Ankalaev had dethroned him via a unanimous decision victory. In that contest, the Russian challenger successfully neutralised the Brazilian’s striking, leading to a measured, grappling-heavy affair that favoured Ankalaev on the scorecards. However, the rematch at the T-Mobile Arena saw a fundamental shift in strategy and intensity from the former champion. From the opening bell, Pereira, known by his indigenous nickname 'Poatan' (Stone Hand), applied relentless forward pressure, immediately closing the distance and negating the opportunity for Ankalaev to establish a defensive rhythm. The finish came quickly after Pereira connected with a heavy right hook that appeared to stun Ankalaev. As the Russian attempted a desperate takedown to recover, Pereira successfully defended the shot and swiftly capitalised, raining down a series of thunderous elbows and punches in a ground-and-pound sequence that left referee Herb Dean no choice but to intervene at the 1:20 mark of the opening round.
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The 38-year-old landed 28 significant strikes compared to Ankalaev's four in the brief, explosive exchange, underscoring the aggressive nature of his approach. The Rise of a Global Phenomenon Pereira’s rapid ascent in mixed martial arts is a notable storyline, having achieved the status of a two-division champion in two separate weight classes in the UFC (Middleweight and Light Heavyweight). His international recognition has been further amplified by his famous rallying cry, "Chama!"—a Portuguese slang term meaning "flame," but used in this context to convey intense excitement, hype, or "let's go. " MMA analysts suggest the aggressive display at UFC 320 was a necessary statement following his loss earlier this year. Speaking after the bout, UFC President Dana White praised the champion's execution. "He did everything he said he would do," Mr. White stated, highlighting Pereira's commitment to delivering a definitive, high-stakes performance for the sold-out crowd. The short-lived reign of Ankalaev has now prompted speculation regarding his future in the division, while the market implications of the main event were substantial, with Pereira closing as a notable underdog, rewarding those who backed the Brazilian’s formidable knockout power. Post-Fight Injury and Tribute Despite the championship glory, the immediate aftermath of the bout brought unexpected news regarding the new champion’s physical condition.
During the post-fight interview, Pereira revealed that he had sustained a significant injury during the short contest. "As soon as I kicked his lead leg, I felt my foot [give out]," Pereira disclosed via his translator. This admission was later supported by Mr. White, who noted, "He definitely either dislocated or broke his toes or something. " The extent of the injury casts a measure of uncertainty over Pereira's immediate return to the Octagon, potentially impacting the schedule for his next title defence. Adding a poignant note to the evening, Pereira utilised his moment in the spotlight not for self-celebration, but to call for a moment of silence in honour of Arthur Jones, the older brother of former UFC champion Jon Jones, who died unexpectedly earlier that week. The champion’s dedication was widely appreciated by the MMA community, providing a rare human element in the typically combative world of elite sport. Mr. Joe Carr, a sports management consultant who analyses fighter logistics, noted the immediate difficulty this situation presents to promoters.
"While the 'chama-alex-pereira' brand is immensely valuable to the promotion right now due to his explosive fighting style and global appeal, any significant injury means the entire light heavyweight division must pause its planning. They may need an interim title bout if the recovery time is lengthy," Carr commented. "However, the victory itself was critical; it restores order to the division, and crucially, gives the fans the definitive result they craved. " Outlook for the Light Heavyweight Division With the light heavyweight belt back around the waist of Alex Pereira, the division is poised for further high-profile contests once the champion recovers. Immediate contenders include Jiří Procházka, whom Pereira has defeated twice, and former champion Jamahal Hill. The Brazilian’s management will now focus on the medical assessment of the suspected broken foot. Should the recovery timeline push his return into the new year, the UFC is expected to explore options to maintain divisional momentum, possibly involving a contest between top-ranked contenders. Regardless of the delay, the explosive nature of the UFC 320 main event has reaffirmed Pereira's position as a marquee figure in the sport, ensuring intense anticipation for his next appearance under the banner of "Chama. ".
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