Title: UFC Unveils Epic Main and Co-Main Event for UFC 313
Title defense is on the horizon! Alex Pereira, current UFC champion at light heavyweight, will go head-to-head with Magomed Ankalaev, the No. 1 contender. This eagerly anticipated showdown will take place at UFC 313 on March 8, held at the spectacular T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Get ready for some fireworks in the co-main event with Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker. This high-stakes lightweight battle promises to be a no-holds-barred extravaganza.
Social media announced the official fights, and Magomed Ankalaev is the undisputed champion's most worthy opponent. With an incredible 13-fight undefeated streak, the 32-year-old Russian sits comfortably atop the light heavyweight division's throne. In his most recent bout in October 2024, Ankalaev secured a unanimous decision against Aleksandr Rakic, setting the stage for this title challenge.
Ankalaev has already dispatched six top-ranked opponents in the light heavyweight division, showcasing his superiority in the competitive world of MMA. But Pereira, a natural kickboxer, won't go down easily. Ankalaev's unique wrestling attack may pose a challenge for Pereira, who has noticeably focused on improving his wrestling skills.
As a seasoned UFC fighter, Pereira boasts an impressive 9-1 record in the octagon. He claimed two division titles and handed Khalil Rountree Jr. a fourth-round KO in his last outing in October 2024. With such a track record and electrifying stage presence, each of his fights feels like a special event.
The co-main event is another thrilling prospect, with Gaethje returning from a loss to Max Holloway in April 2024. Gaethje's all-out fighting style is well-known, so fans can expect an explosive showdown against Hooker, who has rebounded with three consecutive wins following a difficult five-fight period.
UFC 313's confirmed lineup is as follows:
- Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev - Light Heavyweight Championship (205 lbs)
- Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker - Lightweight (155 lbs)
- Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo - Strawweight (115 lbs)
- Bruno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan - Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Ozzy Diaz vs. Djorden Santos - Middleweight (185 lbs)
- Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal - Welterweight (170 lbs)
- Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall - Featherweight (145 lbs)
- Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van - Flyweight (125 lbs)
- Chris Gutierrez vs. Jean Matsumoto - Bantamweight (135 lbs)
Unfortunately, a heavyweight fight between Jhonata Diniz and Victor Petrino was scrapped due to injury, with rescheduling planned for a later date.
Ankalaev's record and background prior to his title challenge against Pereira include:
- MMA record: 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw
- 11 KO/TKO victories
- 9 decision wins
- 53% striking accuracy
- 3.64 significant strikes per minute
- 2.37 striking absorptions
- 0.92 takedown average per 15 minutes
Since joining the UFC in March 2018, Ankalaev has demonstrated a striking prowess, averaging 3.64 significant strikes per minute. With his upcoming faceoff against Pereira, Ankalaev supports the promise of an engaging and dynamic night of MMA fights.
Alex Pereira's next fight will be against Magomed Ankalaev for the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 313 on March 8. This highly anticipated matchup follows Pereira's victory over Khalil Rountree Jr., where he handed him a fourth-round KO in October 2024. Magomed Ankalaev, with his impressive 13-fight undefeated streak and recent win against Aleksandr Rakic, is deemed the most worthy opponent for Pereira in the octagon.
