Magomed Ankalaev’s Former Foe Recalls Fractured Ribs, Jaw Damage After Brutal War at UFC 320

Las Vegas, NV – The octagon can be a place that forges legends, but it also exacts a devastating physical toll. No one knows this better now than veteran light heavyweight Marco "The Ironclad" Petrillo, who has opened up for the first time about the extent of the injuries he suffered in his epic title battle against champion Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320.

The bout, which took place last August at the T-Mobile Arena, is already being hailed as a "Fight of the Year" candidate. For five 25-minute rounds, Ankalaev and Petrillo engaged in a technical and visceral war. Ankalaev, known for his precise knockout power and suffocating ground control, found an unyielding challenger in Petrillo, whose reputation for durability was tested to the absolute limit.

While Ankalaev emerged with the unanimous decision victory, the image of both fighters, bruised and exhausted in the center of the octagon, told the story of a fierce competition. Now, nearly two months later, Petrillo has revealed just how profound that battle truly was.

"It wasn't just a loss on my record; it was a physical receipt for every shot," Petrillo said in a recent interview with "MMA Fighting." "I went in there knowing it would be tough, but the damage he deals is different. It's methodical, it's heavy, and it accumulates in a way I've never felt before."

The Brazilian fighter detailed the list of injuries his medical team diagnosed in the days following the fight:

• Two fractured ribs on his right side, the result of Ankalaev's relentless body kicks late in the fight.
• A hairline fracture in his jaw, which he believes occurred from a brutal uppercut in the fourth round.
• Deep bone bruises on his left shin from having his own kicks repeatedly checked.

"The jaw was the worst," Petrillo admitted. "I spent the first three weeks on a liquid diet. The ribs made breathing, laughing, even sleeping, an agonizing task. It's a constant reminder of the price we pay to compete at this level."

The fight itself was a back-and-forth spectacle. Petrillo had his moments, rocking the champion with an overhand right in the second round and threatening with a guillotine attempt in the third. However, Ankalaev's composure and precision proved to be the deciding factor. The champion weathered the storm and began to systematically dismantle the challenger with a combination of body kicks, sharp jabs, and timely takedowns in the championship rounds.

After the fight, Ankalaev himself was quick to praise his opponent's courage. "Marco is made of iron, just like his nickname says," Ankalaev commented at the post-fight press conference. "I landed shots that have put other men down, and he just kept coming forward. My respect for him is immense. That was the toughest fight of my career."

For Petrillo, the road to recovery has been long, but his determination remains intact. Despite the damage, he is not considering retirement.

"This didn't break me. It showed me the level I need to reach," Petrillo stated. "The recovery is going well. I'm back to light training, focusing on strength and conditioning. I'm going to take the time needed to heal 100%, but the goal is the same: to get back in there and fight for the gold. I know what to expect now. Next time, I'll be more prepared."

As Magomed Ankalaev awaits his next challenger, the memory of his war at UFC 320 serves as a grim warning to the rest of the light heavyweight division. The champion's reign is built on a foundation of devastating power, and the price for trying to take his throne is paid for in broken bones and an iron will.