UFC 313 is set to be an absolute blockbuster event! From top to bottom, the card is riddled with some of the very best talent in the UFC. Light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, may have enjoyed a successful 2024, but he now faces arguably his greatest challenge in Magomed Ankalaev.
Ankalaev has finally been rewarded with a shot at Pereira and given the well-rounded nature of the Russian fighter – it is no surprise that top UFC betting sites have not named the current champion as a clear favourite in this bout.
It promises to an epic event between two world class athletes ready to bring all-out war. Who will get their hand raised and the gold strapped around their waist?
Let’s dive into the profiles of each fighter and assess their form leading into this fight before deciding the outcome.
Fighter Profiles
Alex Pereira:
Hailing from São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil, Alex Pereira is an accomplished kickboxer before he is an MMA fighter. Landing silverware in 2017 and becoming a kickboxing champion, he later transitioned to MMA and made his debut in the UFC in 2021.
He would then transition into the light heavyweight class in 2023. Defeating former champion Jan Blachowicz by split decision, Pereira would later secure the vacant light heavyweight championship – defending it successfully on multiple occasions.
The Brazilian’s kickboxing background is seen in his fighting style. Employing a significant striking prowess, exceptional balance and the raw power to ensure multiple knockouts, his movement and technical skill has seen him become a notable (and often feared) fighter on the UFC roster.
Magomed Ankalaev:
Making his debut in 2018, Ankalaev has enjoyed a rapid rise in the UFC ranks. With a UFC record of 19 wins, 1 loss (on his debut, by submission) and 1 no-contest, his consistent performance and inherent resilience produces a complete fighter with an array of both attacking and defensive systems at his beck and call.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, with a reach of around 75-inch, this is a fighter who often relies on his physical attributes. A powerful puncher and clinical with his kicks, knees and elbows, he often overwhelms his opponents with a flurry of attacking threats often in short bursts.
Notably, he is a competent grappler, boasting an impressive takedown rate whilst simultaneously enjoying a brilliant defensive grappling stance as well. He’s a well-rounded striker and given his dynamic combinations and confident style – this could be an incredibly close call.
Head-to-Head Analysis
| Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev
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| 12-2-0 | Record | 20-1-1, 1NC
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| Brazil | Country | Russia
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| 6’4’’ | Height | 6’3’’
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| 205 LB | Weight | 204.5 LB
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| 79 in | Reach | 75 in
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| 44 in | Leg Reach | 46 in |
Recent Performances and Form
Alex Pereira:
His recent performances have resulted in many agreeing that the Brazilian is a dominant fighter in the UFC. His most recent title defence came against Khalil Rountree Jr at UFC 307, securing a fourth-round knockout against Khalil.
Throughout that fight, and many others, Pereira is effective and incredibly accurate with his kicks, his ability to identify and exploit his opponents trigger areas with explosive striking and a championship level defensive awareness. Nothing seems to faze him; he fights with absolute composure and often ensures he dictates the pace of the fight.
Magomed Ankalaev:
There is nobody who doubts that Ankalaev is currently one of the top contenders in the UFC for a championship – not least because of his somewhat complete performances in recent bouts.
Against Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308, the Russian secured a unanimous decision victory after dominating every aspect of the fight. The reality is, when you have a fighter who is able to manage the range of striking as well as the pace of the engagement – they are very difficult to beat.
A versatile offensive fighter who has shown an ability to defend with a robust and tactical know-how, Ankalaev is truly in pole-position to land championship gold!
Expert Predictions
Naturally, this is a fight which has garnered the attention of many within the world of MMA. The two contrasting styles on display here suggest that it is a fight of striking prowess up against tactical versatility.
Israel Adesanya offered his – somewhat concise and matter of fact – opinion the fight saying simply “Pereira wins”. Now, whilst we agree with Adesanya’s prediction, we think it comes down to whether or not Ankalaev can soften the Brazilian’s attack whilst maintaining the integrity of his own fight.
