The new light heavyweight champion had added more trophies and praises to his cabinet after the biggest victory of his career.
At UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev Alex Pereira defeated a unanimous decision to finally get the gold of 205 pounds.
The Russian may not be an understanding all over the world, but the reaction that Ankalaev received in Dagestan showed the support he has behind him.
At the age of 32, the new champion joins the list of hunters from this region to excel at the highest level in mixed martial arts.
With Ankalaev who broke a record that was previously a lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, he recently received an enormous honor that his colleague champion also received in the past.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Magomed Ankalaev receives the honorary medal from Dagestan after returning home
A recent video saw Magomed Ankalaev awarded with a prestigious medal after his incredible achievement at UFC 313 on March 8.
Although Ankalaev has not always been the most popular hunter on the Roster, it is impossible to deny that he is a talent of world class and clear, he is a beloved and celebrated figure in his home country.
In the past, Islam Makhachev has also been the recipient of Dagestan's Medal of Honor, where both UFC champions represent their people at the highest level.
Magomed @ankalaevm has received the honorary medal of Dagestan from the head of the Republic, Sergey Melikov. The UFC Light Heavyweight Champion described the medal in an Instagram post as “Dagestan's highest reward”.
UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev was previously awarded … pic.twitter.com/yk9fhe0hic
– Red Corner MMA (@redcorner_Mma) March 14, 2025
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Ankalaev thought about this great honor in a recent Instagram post where he spoke about what this moment of recognition means for him.
He thanked the head of the Republic of Dagestan, Sergey Alimovich Melikov for inviting and granting this medal with the newly crowned title holder who was unbeaten since his UFC debut in 2018.
“At the invitation of the head of the Republic of Dagestan, my coaches and I visited the government, where a pleasant surprise waited me – Sergey Alimovich Melikov awarded me the highest price of the Republic. During the meeting we heard many nice words and important instructions that inspired us to work even harder and represent the country with dignity on the international stage. Thank you, Sergey Alimovich, for your support and attention for athletes! “
Magomed Ankalaev may have to prove that he can beat Alex Pereira again
Many fight fans predicted that Magomed Ankalaev would be the biggest threat to the title line of Alex Pereira and at UFC 313, which turned out to be.
While 'Patan' did not look completely, that was partly due to the effective game plan of the Challenger that was able to neutralize many of the most dangerous weapons of the defending champion.
Pereira seems to tend to a rematch and that is something that Ankalaev has clearly stated that he is open.
Although the emphasis will be on what adjustments Pereira can make to produce a more competitive fight, Ankalaev is given the opportunity to strengthen his title rule by beating one of the biggest stars in sport for the second time.
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