Alex Pereira faces someone considered his biggest challenge to date when he defends the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 313 against Magomed Ankalaev. The fight in Las Vegas airs on ESPN+ in the U.S.
Pereira (12-2) has won four straight fights via knockout to go with his 10 wins via the power punch. The former kickboxing champion made history by winning belts in two divisions (middleweight and light heavyweight) in the shortest time and the fewest bouts (736 days /7 fights).
The Brazilian is considered one of the most popular athletes in the UFC. However, his UFC debut was the last time he faced someone who tested him on the ground. Pereira is ready to prove he can handle anything Ankalaev throws at him.
“He’s saying that he wants to strike with me, that he’s not going to try to take me down,” Pereira told UFC.com. “But honestly, that’s what all of my opponents have said. They all say that they want to strike with me. A couple of them tried to take me down, and I got right back up.
WATCH: UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev on ESPN+
“But partly, I believe that’s a little bit of an excuse, because it’s easy to say, ‘Oh, I did it. I went in there and I did exactly what I was going to do’, but it’s a lot harder to find me in there.”
Ankalaev (19–1–1, 1 NC) is a multi-time Sambo and amateur champion. The wrestler has ten wins via knockout, proving he can take you out on the floor and the feet. Earning his second shot at gold, the Russian is ready to take over the division after being considered an avoided fighter for years.
“I’d like to say that I see in this fight everyone is against me,” Ankalaev said via MMA Fighting. “Everyone is saying ‘Chama! Chama! Chama!’ But guess what? Chama time is over. After this Saturday night, after the fight, you will all love me.
“The same people that are saying Chama now are going to be saying No Chama! It’s Ankalaev time.”
The Sporting News will provide results from the entire UFC 313 fight card.
UFC 313 full card results
Main Card
- Alex Pereira (c) vs. Magomed Ankalaev for the UFC light heavyweight title
- Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev; Lightweights
- Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes; Lightweights
- Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo; Strawweights
- King Green vs. Mauricio Ruffy; Lightweights
Prelims
- Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev; Heavyweights
- Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya; Flyweights
- Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan; Middleweights
- Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal; Welterweights
Early Prelims
- Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall; Featherweights
- Chris Gutierrez vs. John Castaneda; Featherweights
- Djorden Ribeiro dos Santos vs. Osman Diaz; Middleweights
Where to watch UFC 313 prelims
The UFC 313 prelims, starting at 8 p.m. ET, will be available on Disney+. The early prelims at 6:30 p.m. ET will also be available via Disney+.
In Australia, the prelims will air on UFC Fight Pass and Kayo.
In the U.K., the prelims, starting at 1 a.m. GMT, will air on UFC Fight Pass.
Where to watch UFC 313
The UFC 313 main card is available via pay-per-view on ESPN+. The PPV price for UFC 313 is $79.99 for current subscribers. For a limited time, get 12 months of ESPN+ for the price of 9 with the purchase of an annual plan.
WATCH: UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev on ESPN+
In Australia, The UFC 313 main card is available via pay-per-view on Foxtel’s Main Event, which also requires a subscription. Alternatively, the event can be purchased through the streaming platform Kayo, with no subscription needed. The PPV price for UFC 313 is $59.95.
UFC 313 is available in the U.K. via TNT Sports (3.99/month or £39.99/year via discovery+)
UFC 313 start time
- Date: Saturday, March 8
- Time: 10 p.m. ET (8 p.m. ET for prelims) | 7 p.m. PT | 3 a.m. GMT | 2 p.m. AEDT
- Location: T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas
UFC 313 will be in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 8. The early prelims start at 6:30 p.m. ET, while the prelims are at 8 p.m. ET. The main card starts at 10 p.m. ET, and Pereira and Ankalaev should make their way to the octagon around 12:30 a.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
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