UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev – An Explosive Light Heavyweight Title Clash

UFC 313 promises an unforgettable night of action inside the Octagon.

UFC 313: Key Facts

• Date: Saturday 8th March 2025. Main Card starts 10 PM Eastern Time (EST).
• Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
• Main Event: Alex Pereira (c) vs. Magomed Ankalaev (Light Heavyweight Title Bout)
• Co-Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev (Lightweight)
• Notable Fight: Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev (Heavyweight)

UFC 313 Preview: A Night of Knockouts and High-Stakes Fights

UFC 313 promises an unforgettable night of action inside the Octagon. Headlining the event, reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira faces his toughest challenge yet in Magomed Ankalaev. The co-main event features a thrilling rematch between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev, ensuring fans are in for a high-paced, action-packed evening.

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Main Event: Pereira vs. Ankalaev – Power vs. Precision

The highly anticipated UFC 313 main event will determine the king of the light heavyweight division. Brazilian knockout artist Alex Pereira (12-2-0) has already etched his name in UFC history with his seamless transition from kickboxing to MMA, while Magomed Ankalaev (20-1-1) has methodically climbed the rankings as one of the most feared fighters in the division. This clash is a battle between raw knockout power and elite technical precision, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown.

Knockout Specialist Pereira Hunts Another Finish

Pereira is one of the most devastating strikers the UFC has seen in years. A former two-division GLORY Kickboxing champion, he seamlessly adapted to MMA, claiming the light heavyweight title with a dominant win over Jiří Procházka. He defended his belt with brutal knockouts of Jamahal Hill and Jiří Procházka once again, proving his power is unmatched. Khalil Rountree also fell victim to Pereira’s explosive striking.

His biggest strength? Pinpoint striking and knockout power. His legendary left hook has floored some of the toughest opponents, and his improved grappling makes him more well-rounded than ever. However, against an elite wrestler like Ankalaev, Pereira must avoid prolonged grappling exchanges. If he keeps the fight standing, expect another highlight-reel knockout.

Ankalaev: The Russian Machine Ready for Gold

Magomed Ankalaev has been one of the most consistent performers in the light heavyweight division. His only UFC loss came in his debut against Paul Craig, where he was submitted in the final seconds of a fight he dominated. Since then, he remains undefeated, securing wins over Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, and Jan Błachowicz.

A well-rounded fighter with a strong sambo base and precise striking, Ankalaev can hold his own on the feet, but his biggest weapon is his ability to dictate the pace with grappling. He will likely look to neutralize Pereira’s striking by pressuring him against the cage and taking him to the mat.

This fight is a true test of whether Ankalaev can withstand Pereira’s legendary power or if he can grind out a victory through superior wrestling.

Co-Main Event: Gaethje vs. Fiziev – Brutality Meets Precision

The co-main event features an intense rematch between Justin Gaethje (25-5-0) and Rafael Fiziev (13-3-0). Their first encounter in 2023 was an instant classic, with Gaethje securing a decision win after three rounds of relentless striking. Now, Fiziev seeks redemption, and both fighters know a victory puts them in prime position for a title shot.

Gaethje, known as one of UFC’s most entertaining fighters, combines raw power, elite wrestling, and an iron chin. He recently won the BMF title with a stunning knockout over Dustin Poirier but later lost it in a brutal KO against Max Holloway at UFC 300.

Fiziev, a highly technical striker with a Muay Thai background, has the precision and angles to trouble any opponent. He has learned valuable lessons from his first fight with Gaethje and will be better prepared for the American’s relentless pressure this time around.

This fight has all the ingredients for another classic, and the outcome will depend on who can handle the heat better.

UFC 313: Best Betting Tips & Predictions

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev – Pereira to Win by KO in Round 1

A risky bet, given Ankalaev’s skill set, but hear this out: Poatan is no novice in grappling, and to take him down, Ankalaev must get close – a dangerous scenario for any fighter. Pereira possesses knockout power Ankalaev has never faced before. If the Russian chooses to stand and strike, this could end early. Pereira by KO in Round 1 is priced at over +600 odds.

Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev – Gaethje to Win in Round 3

Another bold prediction, but one with great value. Three of Gaethje’s seven UFC victories have ended in the first round, but Fiziev has an iron chin and can absorb significant damage. Few in the division hit harder than Gaethje, and if he softens Fiziev up early, a third-round KO is a real possibility at odds of over +1700! Despite being the underdog, Gaethje is my favorite in this fight.

Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev – Blaydes to Win in Round 1

A heavyweight bout on the undercard, Curtis Blaydes enters as a heavy favorite against UFC debutant Rizvan Kuniev, who earned his contract through Dana White’s Contender Series. Blaydes is an established UFC star and one of the division’s best wrestlers, if not the best. Expect an early takedown followed by his infamous ground-and-pound assault. Blaydes to win in Round 1 is a solid bet at +275 odds! All odds are courtesy of 1win.