Ankalaev has gone unbeaten ever since that debut defeat, and while rematches with Ion Cutelaba and Johnny Walker, plus a controversial split draw verdict in his first title challenge, have extended his journey to the top, he’s remained steadfast in his belief that he’d eventually reach the mountaintop.
At UFC 313 in March, Ankalaev finally got there as he outworked Pereira over five rounds to capture the undisputed light heavyweight crown.
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“It was a magical feeling,” he said.
“It’s an incredible feeling when you are trying to reach that goal for such a long time, and you had it planned, and it wasn’t an easy way to get there,” he explained.
“All of the time, all of the sacrifice, all of the blood, sweat and tears, to get all the way up there, and then you finally get it, you’re satisfied for a while.
