Alex Pereira is enjoying an incredible winning streak, but in Las Vegas, fortunes can change quickly. Pereira will defend his light heavyweight title for the fourth time overall and the third time in Las Vegas this Saturday at UFC 313. His previous Vegas fights saw impressive knockouts against Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill. Now, he faces Magomed Ankalaev, the top contender.
Ankalaev boasts a 13-fight unbeaten run. Despite a close loss in his UFC debut in 2018 and some controversial outcomes, he could have been champion much earlier. However, Pereira, ranked No. 2 in MMA Fighting’s pound-for-pound list, has surpassed expectations in two weight classes and aims for a third. This fight is high-stakes, with more than just the title on the line for the Brazilian champion.
Will Ankalaev disrupt Pereira’s reign?
Main Card Preview
Besides the main event, the main card features Justin Gaethje against Rafael Fiziev in a highly anticipated lightweight rematch. Also, the tall lightweights Jalin Turner and Ignacio Bahamondes will compete. Former strawweight title challenger Amanda Lemos will face Iasmin Lucindo, and King Green will try to halt Mauricio Ruffy’s momentum in the lightweight opener.
Event Details
What: UFC 313
Where: T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
When: Saturday, March 8. Early prelims start at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and Disney+, followed by prelims on ESPNews and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
Main Event Prediction: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Alex Pereira’s journey to the top has been captivating, making it difficult to bet against him.
While it would be exciting to see Pereira move to heavyweight for a chance at a third division title, Magomed Ankalaev is predicted to win this fight. Ankalaev is expected to utilize takedowns, but not solely rely on wrestling for 25 minutes, as Pereira has improved his ground defense. The threat of takedowns will be key to opening up Ankalaev’s striking.
Pereira’s path to victory is clear: keep the fight standing and use his striking power. However, Ankalaev is expected to implement a methodical approach, wearing down Pereira and eventually securing a knockout in the fourth round.
Pick: Ankalaev by knockout
Co-Main Event Prediction: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev
Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev is a clash of top lightweight strikers. Their first fight was close and exciting, and the rematch is expected to be another thrilling contest between Gaethje’s direct style and Fiziev’s more varied approach. Fiziev is predicted to win a unanimous decision this time, avenging the previous outcome.
Pick: Fiziev by decision
Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes Prediction
Jalin Turner and Ignacio Bahamondes are evenly matched physically. Turner, despite recent losses, has shown potential against top fighters. He is expected to use his experience and finishing ability to defeat Bahamondes in the first round.
Pick: Turner by first-round finish
Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo Prediction
Iasmin Lucindo, despite a recent loss to Marina Rodriguez, is developing rapidly. However, Amanda Lemos is a tough opponent who can compete with Lucindo both striking and grappling. Lemos is predicted to win by submission after weathering Lucindo’s initial grappling attempts.
Pick: Lemos by submission
King Green vs. Mauricio Ruffy Prediction
King Green vs. Mauricio Ruffy is an exciting lightweight opener. Ruffy’s cardio is a question mark, but his speed and athleticism are significant advantages against the veteran Green. Ruffy is predicted to win by knockout in the first or early second round.
Pick: Ruffy by knockout
Preliminary Card Results
- Joshua Van def. Rei Tsuruya
- Brunno Ferreira def. Armen Petrosyan
- Carlos Leal def. Alex Morono
- Mairon Santos def. Francis Marshall
- Djorden Santos def. Ozzy Diaz
