The stage is set for the light heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev as they have completed their final preparations before stepping into the octagon.
This Saturday, all eyes will be on Pereira as he defends his light heavyweight belt against Ankalaev in a highly anticipated match that has been building for almost two years. Pereira, known as “Poatan,” has been dominant in the 205-pound division, successfully defending his title three times already in 2024. He now faces what is considered by many to be his toughest challenge yet as he headlines UFC 313.
At the ceremonial weigh-ins on Friday, Pereira appeared intensely focused. He wore his signature ceremonial headdress and delivered a final, assertive message to Ankalaev after their face-off.
“I believe this is a significant challenge,” Pereira stated through a Portuguese interpreter. “We are facing a dedicated athlete, but this is my moment. Chama.”
For Ankalaev, this fight represents his second opportunity to seize the light heavyweight title. His previous attempt was against Jan Blachowicz for the vacant title at UFC 282, which ended in a draw. However, Ankalaev displayed equal confidence, maintaining a smile throughout the weigh-in and face-off, and making his own clear statement of intent for Saturday’s fight.
“I feel fantastic,” Ankalaev said through a Russian translator. “I am going to defeat this man. All the people booing me now, tomorrow they will be cheering for me.”
In the co-main event, the atmosphere was more amicable between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev during their stare-down. They previously fought at UFC 286, where Gaethje secured a majority decision victory. Both fighters have promised an exciting and action-packed rematch.
UFC 313 is scheduled to take place this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
