With 44M+ views, Dana White’s new champ breezes past Jon Jones, Islam Makhachev, and Ilia Topuria 

Newly crowned light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev beats Dana White’s top UFC superstars in social media numbers after UFC 313 win.

With 44M+ views, Dana White’s new champ breezes past Jon Jones, Islam Makhachev, and Ilia Topuria 

Magomed Ankalaev's post garners more views than other top UFC superstars (via Instagram/Imago)

Last night at the main event of UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev shocked the world by becoming the new light heavyweight champion. The Russian defeated Alex Pereira in a grueling fight to earn the victory via unanimous decision. In addition to his victory, the newly crowned champion has also surpassed several top UFC stars in social media numbers.

After the fight, many fans pointed out that Dana White didn’t look that impressed when Ankalaev was declared the winner. Not only that, Ankalaev’s crowning moment broke a new record. It was discovered after White put a post about Ankalaev winning the belt on his Instagram.

YouTube video

The video garnered over 45 million views, much more than all the other top champions. Ilia Topuria‘s post has around 27 million views and the pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev has 17 million. Ankalaev has also beaten White’s favourite fighter Jon Jones, who has 28 million views. Given the criticism and narrative against Ankalaev as the champion, this unique record becomes a surprise.

FS Video

Dana White expressed his disappointment with the fight, expecting a finish that never came. The UFC CEO has confirmed an immediate rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira. The champ is ready for the rematch but wants Pereira to take a more offensive approach. Regardless of all this, Ankalaev’s growing fanbase remains an underrated aspect of his rising popularity.

Islam Makhachev invites Magomed Ankalaev into the elite club 

The Dagestani dominance in UFC started with the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s championship reign. He introduced Dagestan to the whole world. After his retirement, the lightweight champion Islam Makhachev carried his legacy. Makhachev has been dominating the UFC for a long time and is the current pound-for-pound king.

Islam Makhachev congratulates Magomed Ankalaev on recent win
Islam Makhachev congratulates Magomed Ankalaev on recent win (via X)

Makhachev had also predicted that Magomed Ankalaev would beat Alex Pereira if given an opportunity. Last night, the Russian did the same and outstruck the Brazilian. Following the win, Makhachev put out a congratulatory post for the newly crowned champion. 

Another belt goes to Dagestan, Russia Congratulations brother @AnkalaevM Excellent performance. 

Islam Makhachev via X 

Dagestan could have captured another belt at UFC 311, but Usman Nurmagomedov lost his chance against Merab Dvalishvili. Now, Makhachev’s title status is being targeted by Dvalishvili’s countryman, Ilia Topuria. It will be interesting to see how long the Dagestani dominance remains in the UFC.

Related: Magomed Ankalaev Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House