Dagestan has another UFC champion.
Magomed Ankalaev returned home to a hero’s welcome after defeating Alex Pereira to capture the light heavyweight crown atop the UFC 313 pay-per-view (PPV) event last weekend in Las Vegas, even with everyone in America “rooting against him.”
“I sincerely want to thank everyone who supported me,” Ankalaev said. “I appreciate it. I felt it when I was in America. When everyone was rooting against me, I knew that on my home soil everyone would be rooting for me, that everyone was rooting for me. This gave me great motivation. So I want to say a huge Barkalla to you for being there, for supporting us. May Allah give you health, and may we have unity in Dagestan.”
The promotion is expected to book an immediate rematch for some point later this year. Much like their first fight, Ankalaev jumped out to an early betting favorite for their five-round do-over and the winner could move on to face this former champ.
For much more on Ankalaev’s victory at UFC 313 click here.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
