Pereira vs. Ankalaev: Clash of Titans at UFC 313 – Will the Knockout King Reign or the Unbeaten Streak Survive?

The UFC’s most active champion, Alex Pereira, makes his 2025 debut, defending his light heavyweight title against the relentless Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The action kicks off Saturday night (10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV), with Pereira aiming to extend his four-fight knockout streak, while Ankalaev looks to preserve his 13-fight unbeaten run.

Pereira, ESPN’s No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter, is fresh off a fourth-round TKO victory over Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307. Known for his devastating striking and precision leg kicks, Pereira will look to exploit Ankalaev’s tendency to stand and trade. However, Ankalaev, ESPN’s No. 2-ranked light heavyweight, brings a well-rounded skill set, including elite wrestling, which could pose a significant threat if he can close the distance and take the fight to the mat.

In the co-main event, fan favorite Justin Gaethje faces Rafael Fiziev in a highly anticipated rematch. Their first bout in March 2023 ended in a narrow majority decision win for Gaethje, but Fiziev, stepping in on short notice after Dan Hooker’s withdrawal, is determined to even the score. Gaethje, coming off a brutal knockout loss, will need to rely on his volume striking and durability to overcome Fiziev’s technical striking prowess.

Expert Analysis: Pereira vs. Ankalaev

Alan Jouban, MMA Analyst and Former UFC Welterweight

• How Pereira Wins: “Pereira must use his range and leg kicks to wear Ankalaev down. If he can damage Ankalaev’s legs early, he’ll have a clear path to victory. Ankalaev’s reluctance to commit to wrestling could play right into Pereira’s hands.”

• How Ankalaev Wins: “Ankalaev needs to mix it up early—avoid trading strikes in the center and focus on cage grappling. If he can get Pereira against the fence and secure takedowns, he’ll neutralize Pereira’s power.”

• Prediction: Pereira by knockout.

Ian Parker, ESPN Betting Expert

• Betting Insight: “Ankalaev at -105 is a solid pick. While Pereira is a legend, Ankalaev has the skills to match him on the feet and a significant edge on the ground. If he avoids early leg kicks, he has multiple paths to victory.”

Parker’s Best Bets for UFC 313

• Lightweight: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael FizievFiziev to win (-170). “Fiziev is the better striker, and Gaethje’s recent knockout loss raises questions. In a standup battle, Fiziev should edge it.”

• Lightweight: Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio BahamondesBahamondes to win (-125). “Turner’s recent struggles make Bahamondes the pick. If this stays standing, Bahamondes will dominate.”

• Middleweight: Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen PetrosyanPetrosyan to win (-155). “Petrosyan’s superior striking and takedown defense should secure him the win against Ferreira’s reckless style.”

Additional Insights

Campbell: “Ankalaev’s grappling credentials are overrated. He hasn’t utilized his wrestling much, and Pereira’s striking could dominate if Ankalaev gets comfortable trading blows.”

Brookhouse: “Ankalaev’s wrestling stats are underwhelming (31% takedown accuracy). Pereira’s improved grappling and striking edge give him the advantage.”

Mahjouri: “Ankalaev is Pereira’s most well-rounded challenger, but Pereira’s superior striking and Ankalaev’s poor decision-making in key moments could lead to a KO.”

Co-Main Event: Gaethje vs. Fiziev

Campbell: “Fiziev, coming off an 18-month layoff, has the tools to outwork Gaethje, especially given Gaethje’s recent KO loss and durability concerns.”

Mahjouri: “This fight hinges on whose weakness falters first: Gaethje’s chin or Fiziev’s stamina. Gaethje’s relentless pressure might give him the edge.”

Turner vs. Bahamondes

Brookhouse: “A striking battle between two towering lightweights. Bahamondes lands more strikes and defends better, making him the pick for a potential stoppage.”

Mahjouri: “Turner’s experience and submission skills give him more paths to victory in a closely contested fight.”

UFC 313 promises fireworks, with Pereira and Ankalaev headlining a stacked card. Will Pereira’s knockout power prevail, or will Ankalaev’s unbeaten streak continue? Tune in to find out!