The lights had barely dimmed at T-Mobile Arena when the mood of UFC 320 changed from celebration to reflection. Alex Pereira‘s knockout of Magomed Ankalaev left fans stunned as the champion failed to last even a minute. As Pereira’s camp erupted in joy, the Dagestani contender stood still, staring into the void after his first professional loss in years. And while the world praised ‘Poatan’s’ comeback, it was Ankalaev’s quiet response that soon captured everyone’s attention.

The defeat ended Ankalaev’s 14-fight unbeaten streak and his brief tenure as UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. For half a year, he had held the division’s crown, toppling Alex Pereira in March to claim his moment of glory. But when the rematch arrived, it unfolded with brutal efficiency, with the Brazilian’s striking being sharper, faster, and far more vicious than the last time they met.

Within seconds, the Brazilian raced past Ankalaev’s defense, unleashing a torrent of elbows that caused the referee to intervene and silence the Dagestani corner. Magomed Ankalaev saw this as more than just a loss of the title; it was a test of character. Hours after the bout, he shared a message on Instagram that quickly spread throughout the MMA world. “If Allah tested me with defeat, then He wants to toughen me,” he wrote.

“I bow to His will, but not to difficulties. To those who stayed—thank you. To those who turned out, thank you too. After all, Allah clears the way not only of weakness but also of unnecessary people.” The words struck a spiritual chord, showing that even in defeat, Ankalaev chose faith and calm over frustration and anger. And as expected, it didn’t take long for members of Team Khabib to rally behind their compatriot.

Umar Nurmagomedov left a simple lion emoji 🦁 to represent power and endurance. Movsar Evloev added, “Alhamdulillah in any position ☝,” emphasizing the importance of appreciation regardless of outcome. Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, also sent a heart and praying emoji—a subtle expression of support from one of Dagestan’s most respected personalities.

These brief gestures showed how deep the bond runs within the Dagestani fighting community, where religion and fraternity often speak louder than any post-fight statement. For fans, this response revealed a new type of resilience. While Pereira’s knockdown was praised for its violence and elegance, Ankalaev’s reaction exemplified stoicism: the ability to bear suffering without drama.

Now, with some much-needed reality check, the question becomes what’s next for Magomed Ankalaev. Will he be getting a trilogy bout against Alex Pereira? When Pereira was asked about a trilogy, ‘Poatan’ stated that he didn’t see Ankalaev returning to the title picture anytime soon. However, one legend of the fight game would like to disagree.

Conor McGregor sees a Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira trilogy coming

Conor McGregor may have just hinted at a trilogy, something Alex Pereira is not lobbying for. ‘The Notorious’ praised both fighters after UFC 320, when Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight title with a first-round TKO, complimenting Pereira’s “skill, will, and determination” and Ankalaev’s “guts, balls, and honour.”

Then he added, “1-1 now @ufc.” Fans instantly recognized the comparison to McGregor’s own trilogy with Dustin Poirier, suggesting that rivalries tied at one are rarely over. However, Pereira appears to have had enough of Ankalaev. Before UFC 320, he declared that the story “would be over” and questioned Ankalaev’s comeback to title contention. His goal is to move forward, and his convincing victory confirmed that belief.

McGregor’s words, however, serve as a reminder that unfinished business and tied scores often demand a resolution, particularly in high-profile divisions. Magomed Ankalaev’s route back remains unclear, as Carlos Ulberg and Jiri Prochazka are also in position for the following shot. Nonetheless, McGregor’s words sparked debate among fans. Whether Alex Pereira wants it or not, the trilogy talk is now alive, keeping the division buzzing.