UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev – A Collision Course in Las Vegas
The bright lights of Las Vegas will shine even brighter on Saturday, March 8th, as the T-Mobile Arena prepares to host UFC 313, a fight card headlined by a highly anticipated light heavyweight title clash. Reigning champion Alex "Poatan" Pereira will put his belt on the line against the surging contender, Magomed Ankalaev, in a battle that promises to be a captivating display of striking prowess and grappling expertise.
Pereira, a former middleweight champion, has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the 205-pound division. Boasting a record of 12 wins and only two losses, the Brazilian striker carries the aura of a knockout artist with him into every fight. His journey to the top of the light heavyweight mountain has been nothing short of meteoric, marked by devastating finishes and a relentless pursuit of victory.
In the past year, Pereira has defended his title three times, each victory further solidifying his claim as one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC. His first defense came against Jamahal Hill in April 2024, a TKO victory that showcased Pereira’s ability to capitalize on openings and unleash his signature power. He followed that up with a second-round knockout of Jiri Prochazka in June, a testament to his accuracy and timing. Most recently, in October, Pereira secured another TKO victory against Khalil Rountree Jr., further demonstrating his versatility and adaptability in the octagon.
Pereira’s striking background is rooted in kickboxing, where he achieved world championship status. He possesses a unique ability to generate immense power in his punches and kicks, often catching opponents off guard with his unorthodox angles and deceptive movements. His signature left hook has become a legendary weapon, capable of ending fights in an instant. Beyond his raw power, Pereira is also a highly technical striker, employing a calculated approach to his attacks and constantly adjusting his strategy based on his opponent’s weaknesses.
Standing across the octagon from Pereira will be Magomed Ankalaev, a Dagestani fighter known for his well-rounded skillset and unwavering composure. With a record of 20 wins, one loss, and one draw, Ankalaev represents a significant threat to Pereira’s title reign. He is a master of both striking and grappling, possessing the ability to control the fight in any range.
Ankalaev’s striking is characterized by his precision and power. He throws punches and kicks with pinpoint accuracy, often targeting his opponent’s weaknesses and setting up devastating combinations. He is also a skilled wrestler, capable of taking opponents down at will and controlling them on the ground. His grappling is relentless, as he utilizes a variety of submission techniques to threaten his opponents and wear them down.
The key to Ankalaev’s success lies in his ability to seamlessly transition between striking and grappling. He can quickly close the distance, secure a takedown, and then unleash a barrage of ground and pound or work for a submission. This versatility makes him a difficult matchup for any opponent, as they must be prepared to defend against a wide range of attacks.
The matchup between Pereira and Ankalaev is a classic striker versus grappler scenario, but both fighters possess skills that transcend these traditional labels. While Pereira is known for his striking, he has also demonstrated a solid grappling defense and the ability to scramble out of difficult positions. Similarly, while Ankalaev is known for his grappling, he has also showcased his striking power and accuracy in numerous fights.
The fight promises to be a tactical battle, as both fighters will look to exploit their opponent’s weaknesses and impose their own game plan. Pereira will likely seek to keep the fight standing, where he can utilize his striking advantage and land his signature power shots. Ankalaev, on the other hand, will likely look to take the fight to the ground, where he can control Pereira and wear him down with his grappling.
Predictions for the fight are split, with many analysts acknowledging the potential for either fighter to emerge victorious.
Jamahal Hill, who has experience fighting both men, believes that Ankalaev has more tools to win. He acknowledges Pereira’s knockout power, stating that "Alex has that one hit wonder," but he believes that Ankalaev possesses the speed, patience, and counter-striking ability to nullify Pereira’s advantage. Hill also points to Ankalaev’s past experience fighting for the title and his potential to be more focused and determined this time around.
Other analysts believe that Pereira’s striking, particularly his leg kicks, could be a key factor in the fight. They point to Jan Blachowicz’s success in damaging Ankalaev’s legs in their previous encounter and suggest that Pereira, with his more refined striking technique, could inflict even more damage. They argue that if Pereira can compromise Ankalaev’s mobility with leg kicks, he could gain a significant advantage in the later rounds.
Alexander Volkanovski anticipates a difficult fight for Ankalaev, stating that "Pereira is very dangerous because he puts the pressure on and he can flick stuff out untelegraphed and set things up offensively and then on the counter, very, very, very good on the counter." Volkanovski expects Ankalaev to attempt takedowns but doubts his ability to submit Pereira unless Pereira makes a mistake. Ultimately, Volkanovski predicts a KO/TKO victory for Pereira, potentially in the second or third round.
Ultimately, the outcome of the fight will depend on which fighter can successfully implement their game plan and capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes. It promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable contest between two of the light heavyweight division’s elite fighters.
UFC 313, featuring the highly anticipated clash between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev, will be available on ESPN+ PPV. Fight fans can purchase the event and witness this epic battle unfold live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
