Ariel Helwani Show: Apology to Magomed Ankalaev for UFC 313 Victory Doubts
Ariel Helwani issues an apology to Magomed Ankalaev on his show for initially doubting his UFC 313 victory over Alex Pereira. The episode analyzes Ankalaev's effective strategy that led to him becoming the new light heavyweight champion.
Setting the Record Straight on UFC 313
In a recent episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, posted on March 10, 2025, the host addresses a significant moment from UFC 313 involving Magomed Ankalaev's victory over Alex Pereira. The episode focuses on an apology extended to Ankalaev after initial doubts were raised about the legitimacy of his win. This discussion provides a detailed breakdown of the fight and the reasoning behind the change of perspective on the outcome.
Analyzing Ankalaev's Performance
During the segment, around the 2:30 mark, the host explains how Ankalaev's strategy in the octagon led to a unanimous decision victory with scores of 49-46 and 48-47 twice. The analysis highlights Ankalaev's effective control and striking in key rounds, which ultimately swayed the judges despite numerous failed takedown attempts. This performance is credited for securing his position as the new UFC light heavyweight champion, a point emphasized throughout the episode.
Addressing Initial Skepticism
At approximately the 5:15 timestamp, the episode delves into the initial skepticism surrounding Ankalaev's win. The host admits to questioning whether the victory was deserved due to the perceived lack of decisive action in some rounds. However, after further review, it became clear that Ankalaev's consistent pressure and ability to outstrike Pereira in multiple rounds justified the judges' decision.
The Apology to Ankalaev
Nearing the 8:00 point of the video, a formal apology is issued to Magomed Ankalaev for the earlier doubts expressed about his triumph at UFC 313. This segment underscores the importance of reassessing opinions based on a deeper understanding of fight dynamics and scoring criteria. The apology aims to rectify any misunderstanding and acknowledges Ankalaev's rightful claim to the title.
Reflecting on Pereira's Loss
Towards the latter part of the discussion, around the 10:45 mark, attention shifts to Alex Pereira's perspective on the fight. The episode notes Pereira's comments on feeling that Ankalaev's strategy of clinching against the cage lacked significant impact. Despite this, the host reiterates that the judges' scoring reflected a different view, favoring Ankalaev's overall control and output during the match.
