Lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett was left “awestruck” by Alex Pereira’s dominant title-winning performance at UFC 320.
The Brazilian fan-favourite reclaimed the Light Heavyweight crown in sensational fashion, making quick work of bitter enemy Magomed Ankalaev in the pair’s immediate rematch.
Launching a staggering 80-second knockout win over the Russian star, Pereira avenged his first-ever loss at Light Heavyweight in the promotion, which came from a close decision defeat to Ankalaev earlier this year. Upon releasing his reaction to the title headliner in Las Vegas, Pimblett was clearly staggered by the ease with which Pereira stopped Ankalaev.
Paddy Pimblett Questions Magomed Ankalaev’s Defence at UFC 320
After being clocked with a massive overhand right early on, Pereira forced Ankalaev to pull guard with a tame single-leg attempt. Ankalaev then found himself on the receiving end of a massive slew of 12-6 elbow strikes and was stopped in just over a minute by the Brazilian, who followed up with a now-trademark celebration.
However, Pimblett expressed surprise at how little defence Ankalaev offered following the initial staggering shot.
“Wow, nice right hand — hurt him (Ankalaev),” Pimblett said on his YouTube channel. “Wow, it’s over! Oh my God, it’s over already? Wow, that was fast. Why didn’t Ankalaev move there, though?
“I was thinking — I thought Herb Dean was gonna jump in — I thought it was gonna be an early stoppage,” Pimblett explained. “…And Ankalaev just didn’t move, lad.
“I thought he was gonna move — I never even really reacted there, ’cause I thought, ‘Yeah, Ankalaev is gonna single-leg now and like wrestle up with a single leg.’ And he just never [did].”
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Alex Pereira Rips Magomed Ankalaev’s Manager Post-UFC 320
Involved in a heated dispute with Ankalaev and his team ahead of their first pairing earlier this year, Pereira had some pointed words for the Russian’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, after the fight.
Later, Pereira posted a statement that specifically took aim at Dominance MMA leader Abdelaziz, who had been vocal in the build-up.
“When a manager has never been an athlete and wants to promote to gain fame and money, but you’re the one in there risking your life, and he’s outside laughing,” Pereira wrote, referencing his manager rival.
