UFC card this weekend features Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev
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Alex Pereira returns to the Octagon on Saturday to defend his light heavyweight title in the UFC 313 main event against Magomed Ankalaev at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Despite being the champion, Pereira enters as the underdog against the No. 1 contender, who is considered his toughest challenge yet.
Ankalaev, known for his well-rounded game and grappling prowess, looks to dethrone the Brazilian striker and claim UFC gold for the first time. Pereira, coming off dominant performances, will aim to prove his doubters wrong in what promises to be a high-stakes showdown.
The co-main event features a short-notice rematch between former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev, after fan favourite Dan Hooker was forced to withdraw due to injury.
The pair first met in March 2023, with Gaethje edging out a majority decision. Fiziev, returning from a leg injury, hopes to even the score, while Gaethje looks to bounce back from a knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300.
Full UFC 313 Fight Card
Main card (10:00 pm and):
- Light Heavyweight Championship: Alex Peira (C) vs. Ankalaev Magomed
- Lightweight: Justin Gaethhe vs. Rafallual Free
- Lightweight: Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
- Women’s Strawweight: Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo
- Lightweight: King Green vs. Mauricio Ruffy
Preliminary Card (8:00 PM ET):
- Heavyweight: Curtis Blades Vs. Rizvan kuniev
- Flyweight: Joshua van vs. Rei Tsuruya
- Middleweight: Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan
- Welterweight: Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal
Early Prelims (6:00 PM ET):
- Featherweight: Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall
- Middleweight: Djorden Santos vs. Ozzy Diaz
- Featherweight: Chris Gutierrez vs. John Casteneda
Potential ‘Fight of the Night’ contenders
The co-main event between Gaethje and Fiziev is expected to deliver fireworks, as both fighters are known for their aggressive styles and striking power. Their first meeting was a back-and-forth war, and with both needing a statement win, fans can expect another explosive showdown.
Other fights to watch include Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes, where Turner seeks redemption after a costly mistake at UFC 300, and Bahamondes aims for a third straight stoppage win. Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo is another intriguing matchup, with both strawweights bringing heavy hands and a willingness to engage in striking battles.
Flyweight prospect Rei Tsuruya, a 22-year-old grappling specialist, looks to make a name for himself against the ever-improving Joshua Van. With Tsuruya’s elite ground game and Van’s striking, this could be a fight that steals the show.
UFC 313 promises high-stakes action, title implications, and potential highlight-reel finishes as Pereira looks to hold onto his belt and Gaethje seeks redemption in the co-main event.
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