UFC 320 lived up to every ounce of hype — and then some. Fight fans around the world witnessed a wild night in Las Vegas where Alex Pereira reclaimed his light heavyweight crown in breathtaking fashion, while Merab Dvalishvili once again proved why he’s called “The Machine.”
Let’s break down the biggest moments, performances, and implications from an unforgettable night at T-Mobile Arena.
Alex Pereira’s 80-Second Masterclass: Vengeance with Precision
It took just 80 seconds for Alex Pereira to flip the script on Magomed Ankalaev and reclaim his UFC light heavyweight title. The Brazilian walked into the cage with laser focus, stormed across the Octagon, and immediately went on the attack. Within moments, Pereira landed a thunderous right hand that sent Ankalaev wobbling backward.
When Ankalaev tried to shoot for a desperate takedown, Pereira sprawled, turned the tables, and unleashed a storm of elbows and hammer fists. Referee Herb Dean had no choice but to step in.
Pereira’s statement win wasn’t just revenge — it was dominance. The 38-year-old striker reminded everyone why he’s one of the scariest knockout artists in UFC history. After losing to Ankalaev earlier this year at UFC 313, he said that injuries had affected his performance. On Saturday night, he showed what a healthy Pereira looks like — and it was terrifying.
His humility after the fight also struck a chord with fans. He paused his post-fight celebration to ask for a moment of silence in memory of Arthur Jones, brother of Jon Jones, showing the kind of respect that defines true champions.
Dvalishvili’s Relentless Engine Keeps Rolling
In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili continued his run as one of the most dominant champions in modern MMA. Facing off against Cory Sandhagen, the Georgian powerhouse put on a wrestling clinic that left fans in awe.
Dvalishvili secured 20 takedowns across five rounds, tying up Sandhagen in nearly every exchange and smothering him with pressure. While Sandhagen had some success early, it didn’t take long before Merab found his rhythm and imposed his trademark pace — endless movement, suffocating control, and zero fatigue.
By the end of the night, Dvalishvili earned a unanimous decision victory, his third successful title defense. His performance sparked yet another round of debate in the MMA world: is Merab Dvalishvili now the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport?
With 117 career takedowns and four title fights in just over a year, Merab has reached a rare level of consistency. His ability to stay composed under pressure and make elite opponents look ordinary is something fans and analysts can’t ignore anymore.
The Light Heavyweight Division Just Got Spicy Again
Pereira’s win reopens a lot of possibilities in the light heavyweight division. There’s talk about potential rematches, but many fans are already dreaming of new matchups. Jiří Procházka, who scored a highlight-reel knockout earlier in the night against Khalil Rountree Jr., might be next in line.
Procházka looked like his old self again — wild, creative, and powerful. Though he’s lost twice to Pereira, his win reignites hope that a third fight could one day happen under different circumstances.
Meanwhile, rising contender Carlos Ulberg has made it clear he’s ready for a title eliminator. With Pereira back on top, the 205-pound division suddenly feels electric again — full of revenge arcs, redemption stories, and fresh rivalries.
What’s Next for Ankalaev?
For Magomed Ankalaev, the road back won’t be easy. He’s still one of the most technically sound fighters in the division, but Saturday showed that Pereira’s power and timing can erase any gap in skill or strategy. Ankalaev may need a big comeback win — perhaps against someone like Jan Blachowicz or Aleksandar Rakić — to rebuild his momentum.
Still, given his overall record and the quality of his performances, nobody should count him out just yet. The light heavyweight division has a habit of flipping the script quickly.
The Bigger Picture: Pound-for-Pound Debate Heats Up
While Pereira’s knockout stole the headlines, Dvalishvili’s reign is what’s turning heads in the pound-for-pound rankings. Some analysts argue that Islam Makhachev, the lightweight champ, still deserves the top spot. Others believe Merab’s sheer dominance and activity give him an edge.
Either way, MMA fans are living in a golden era where multiple champions — from Pereira to Dvalishvili to Makhachev — are performing at an all-time high level.
Final Thoughts: UFC 320 Delivered Everything Fans Wanted
UFC 320 was one of those cards that remind everyone why they fell in love with mixed martial arts in the first place — violence, skill, storylines, and respect.
Alex Pereira’s 80-second revenge KO will be replayed for years. Merab Dvalishvili’s engine keeps redefining what’s possible in the bantamweight division. And with Procházka’s resurgence, the light heavyweight landscape feels more unpredictable than ever.
For fans and bettors alike, the future looks thrilling. Pereira has cemented his place as a two-division great, while Merab continues to make history in real time.
Whatever comes next, one thing is certain — UFC 320 will go down as one of the most explosive cards of 2025.
