In a bombshell development shaking the MMA world, Khabib Nurmagomedov has unleashed a scathing accusation against newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, claiming he used performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) before demolishing Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320. The undefeated legend, speaking out just days after Pereira’s ruthless 80-second TKO victory on October 4, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, vowed to fight for “justice” on behalf of his compatriot Ankalaev. This revelation has ignited fury among fans, with Nurmagomedov alleging concrete evidence of doping that could strip Pereira of his title and force a UFC investigation.
The fight itself was a brutal reversal from their March 2025 clash at UFC 313, where Ankalaev dethroned Pereira via unanimous decision. Pereira, entering UFC 320 amid claims of prior injuries like a fractured tibia and illness, exploded out of the gate, landing a devastating right hand that dropped Ankalaev before ground strikes prompted referee Herb Dean to stop the bout at 1:20 of Round 1. Post-fight, Pereira celebrated his third UFC title reign, but Nurmagomedov’s intervention has cast a dark cloud over the triumph.
Nurmagomedov, a vocal mentor to Dagestani fighters like Ankalaev, didn’t mince words in a fiery social media post and interview snippets circulating online. “Alex Pereira doped before this fight— we have lab reports and witness testimonies showing abnormal hormone levels in his pre-fight tests,” he declared, demanding the UFC Anti-Doping agency review “suppressed” samples from Pereira’s camp. Sources close to Nurmagomedov’s team hint at insider leaks from training facilities, including unusual recovery times and physique changes that scream PED use, echoing past accusations against Pereira’s coach Glover Teixeira for greasing in earlier bouts. “This isn’t fair to Magomed or the sport. Justice must prevail, or the belt means nothing,” Khabib added, calling for an immediate rematch if proven.
The allegations gain traction amid UFC’s ongoing anti-doping scrutiny, with recent suspensions like flyweight Ramazan Temirov’s for trimetazidine highlighting the league’s vigilance. Pereira’s history includes unproven whispers of enhancement from his kickboxing days, and Ankalaev’s camp previously accused him of foul play like excessive greasing during UFC 313. If substantiated, this could lead to Pereira’s suspension, title vacation, and a massive scandal rivaling Jon Jones’ controversies.
Fans are divided: some hail Khabib’s whistleblowing as heroic, while others dismiss it as sour grapes from the Russian camp, given Ankalaev’s emotional post-fight reflection on faith and resilience. As calls for transparency mount, the UFC faces pressure to act swiftly. Will Pereira’s reign crumble under doping clouds, or is this a desperate ploy? Stay tuned—this UFC drama is far from over.
