UFC 313: Pereira vs Ankalaev – A New Chapter in Light-Heavyweight Division

The promotion revealed during UFC 311 – their first pay-per-view event of 2025 – that Alex Pereira will face Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8, marking one of the most anticipated matchups of the year.

Pereira, the Brazilian MMA sensation, has made an indelible mark in the UFC since joining the promotion. The 37-year-old fighter, known for his knockout power, is currently the UFC light-heavyweight champion and will be defending his title for the fourth time at UFC 313. Pereira has shown dominance in the division, successfully defending the belt three times in 2024 alone. His most recent victory came against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 in October 2024, where he clinched a dominant win after a bloody and brutal battle.

Pereira’s rise to prominence began with a stunning knockout of Jiri Prochazka in November 2023, capturing the light-heavyweight title. His reign has been marked by significant wins against tough opponents like Jamahal Hill and a rematch victory over Prochazka, solidifying his position as one of the most feared fighters in the UFC.

However, Pereira had initially indicated his desire for a break following his intense clash with Rountree. In an interview with ESPN MMA, he revealed how his mindset shifted after he started training again. “I did say that I wanted to take a break, but I started training again,” Pereira shared. “I started feeling good, I started seeing my evolution so I called my managers right away and said, ‘I want to fight in March. I want to fight Ankalaev.’” His decision to face Ankalaev, despite his earlier intentions, showcases his determination to stay active and defend his title.

Ankalaev, a Russian powerhouse, has been on a remarkable run of 13 unbeaten bouts since suffering a loss on his UFC debut seven years ago. The No. 1-ranked contender in the light-heavyweight division, Ankalaev has been consistently on the brink of securing a title shot. His last victory in October 2024, a unanimous decision over Aleksandar Rakic, further solidified his place as the top challenger for Pereira’s title.

Despite the growing anticipation for this matchup, Pereira has faced criticism for allegedly avoiding Ankalaev. He admitted to making it difficult for Ankalaev to secure a title bout, citing “lies” spread by the Dagestani fighter as the primary reason for the delay. However, the fight is now set, and both fighters are prepared to settle their differences in the octagon.

A victory for Pereira at UFC 313 would not only extend his reign but would also see him surpass UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, moving to second place on the all-time list for most title fight victories at 205 pounds. This would be a significant milestone in Pereira’s career, further cementing his legacy in the UFC.

UFC 313 will also feature another highly anticipated clash between Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker in a crucial lightweight showdown. Gaethje, a former interim champion at 155 pounds, is looking to bounce back from a knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300. A victory over Hooker would place Gaethje firmly in contention for a title shot against Islam Makhachev, the current lightweight champion.

Hooker, on a three-fight win streak, has been performing impressively in the UFC. His most recent win, a Fight of the Night performance against Mateusz Gamrot in August 2024, showcased his resilience and skill. Although Hooker previously lost to Makhachev in a first-round submission, a win over Gaethje would bring him closer to a potential rematch with the Russian champion.

Both Pereira vs Ankalaev and Gaethje vs Hooker promise to deliver action-packed bouts that fans around the world are eagerly anticipating. With so much at stake for each fighter, these matchups are likely to be contenders for Fight of the Year, adding even more excitement to the UFC’s first major pay-per-view event of 2025.

Fans can look forward to a thrilling night of combat sports at UFC 313, where legends will be made, and history will be written. The showdown between Pereira and Ankalaev could be one for the ages, and the lightweight clash between Gaethje and Hooker is set to be an all-out war for supremacy in the 155-pound division.

UFC 313 is sure to be a night to remember, with two dream matchups set to captivate the global MMA community. Don’t miss out on the action as the stakes reach new heights in the world of mixed martial arts.