UFC 323: Fight Cards, Fighters, and What Happened Next

When you hear UFC 323, the 323rd numbered event in the Ultimate Fighting Championship series, known for delivering high-stakes MMA fights with world-class athletes. Also known as UFC on ESPN+ 87, it was the stage where Alex Pereira, a dominant Brazilian striker and former kickboxing champion knocked out Magomed Ankalaev, a Russian powerhouse with elite wrestling and striking defense to win back the light heavyweight title. This wasn’t just another fight night—it was a turning point in the division’s hierarchy.

UFC 323 didn’t just feature one headline bout. It was built around a handful of fighters who carry weight in the sport. Pereira’s win didn’t just reset the title picture—it sparked debates about whether he’d move up to heavyweight next. Ankalaev, despite the loss, proved he belongs at the top, having gone the distance with champions before. The event also highlighted how UFC events are more than just fights—they’re business moves, career resets, and legacy builders. Fighters like these don’t just train for 8 weeks; they prepare for years, and UFC 323 was one of those nights where everything clicked—or fell apart.

What you’ll find in the posts below aren’t just recaps. They’re the real stories behind the fights: the financial stakes, the training setbacks, the locker room tension, and the aftermath that no one talks about on pay-per-view. From Pereira’s next move to how Ankalaev bounced back, from the undercard fighters who stole the show to the referees and coaches shaping the outcome—this collection pulls back the curtain. You won’t find fluff here. Just the facts, the fallout, and what it all means for the future of the UFC.