Israel Adesanya’s real time reaction had Alex Pereira beating Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313.
Pereira (12-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) lost his light heavyweight title to Ankalaev (21-1-1 MMA, 12-1-1 UFC) by unanimous decision in Saturday’s main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Adesanya was particularly surprised by judge Sal D’Amato scoring it 49-46 in favor of Ankalaev.
The other two judges had it 48-47 for Ankalaev, with Pereira winning Rounds 1 and 5.
“Wow, 49-46? What was that?,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. “He (Ankalaev) dropped him, won that Round 2. The holding, he didn’t really do much with the holding. What a stupid game we play. I had Alex winning, but I’m not sure. I’d have to watch it again or score the fight properly.
“The Round 2 might have played a factor just because he dropped him. But again, holding against the fence, I don’t really remember him getting any takedowns. It was a competitive fight, back-and-forth. It was good for both of them. They’re both going to level up, but I’m sure he’s going to get a rematch. Spin the block.”
An immediate rematch appears to be the direction the UFC will go after Dana White approved of the idea. Ankalaev is also open to running things back with Pereira.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.
