Sun Mar 02 02:30:00 UTC 2025: ## UFC 313: Pereira Defends Title Against Ankalaev in Las Vegas Showdown

**LAS VEGAS, NV** – The UFC announced today the highly anticipated fight card for UFC 313, set to take place on Saturday, March 8th, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main event features a light heavyweight title clash between reigning champion Alex Pereira and challenger Magomed Ankalaev. This marks Ankalaev’s long-awaited shot at the belt after a series of near-misses and a perceived snub by the UFC.

Pereira, a dominant force who captured the title with a stunning knockout victory over Jiří Procházka, has since successfully defended his belt three times in 2024, most recently with a TKO win over Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307. His powerful striking and strategic fighting style have made him a formidable champion.

Ankalaev, boasting a 13-fight unbeaten streak (excluding a draw), has consistently proven himself as a top contender in the division. He last fought in October 2024, securing a decision victory over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308. This fight promises a clash of styles between Pereira’s explosive power and Ankalaev’s technical prowess.

The co-main event offers a highly anticipated rematch between former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev. Their first encounter at UFC 286 resulted in a closely contested decision win for Gaethje, a fight that was lauded as a “Fight of the Night.” Both fighters have since had setbacks, however, fueling the anticipation for a second bout.

The undercard features an intriguing lineup of fights, including:

* Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
* Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo
* King Green vs. Maurício Ruffy
* Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev
* Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya
* Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan
* Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal
* Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall
* Djorden Santos vs. Ozzy Diaz

UFC 313 promises to be a night of explosive action, with title fights, highly anticipated rematches, and a strong undercard guaranteeing an unforgettable spectacle for fans. Further details on the event will be released as fight night approaches.

Read More