During his initial run as light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira turned in yet another record-setting performance en route to victory.
Beginning his second reign as divisional pacesetter at UFC 320, Brazilian fan-favorite Alex Pereira ended the newly minted run of Magomed Ankalaev with a definitive 80-second knockout win in their rematch.
And once more capturing gold, Pereira succeeded at the first time of trying in his bid to become a two-time light heavyweight champion.
However, before his reign came to a halt against Ankalaev earlier this year, the Sao Paulo star eclipsed an interesting record set by a sport icon.
Alex Pereira’s history-breaking win to overtake Ronda Rousey
On this day just a year ago, Pereira would enter the Octagon against the surging Khalil Rountree, in search of a third successful defense of his throne that year alone.
Landing the crown with a knockout of Jiri Prochazka, Pereira would stop Jamahal Hill atop a blockbuster UFC 300 card, before defeating the Czech star again ahead of a showdown with Rountree.
And having battled early adversity against the sharp striker, Pereira turned in a bloody knockout in the fourth round, with one of the most vicious stoppages in recent memory.
As part of his active schedule, Pereira would break the record for the shortest time between three title defenses — needing just 179 days to defend his crown.
The prior record was set by inaugural bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, who needed 189 days to defend her title three times against Miesha Tate, Sara McMann, and Alexis Davis.
Alex Pereira historic title charge
Expected to further float a massive division move in search of a heavyweight title against Tom Aspinall off the back of his win over Ankalaev, one more title fight win at 205lbs would see Pereira enter the history books once more.
The proud owner of five title fight wins at the weight class after his knockout of the Russian, Pereira is currently tied with the iconic Chuck Liddell for the second most wins in the division in championship fights.
Still many, many fights behind current pacesetter Jon Jones, a trilogy fight with Prochazka, or a fresh challenge against the emerging Carlos Ulberg would see Pereira overtake Liddell with another standout win.
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