Alex Pereira will defend his light-heavyweight belt against Magomed Ankalaev next month at UFC 313.
The Brazilian reclaimed this title in November 2023 when he beat Jiri Prochazka after initially losing the belt to Israel Adesanya.
He has since successfully defended three times, most recently seeing off Khalil Rountree Jr in October 2024.
Next to try to take the title from Pereira is Ankalaev, who is into this bout after beating Aleksandar Rakic.
The Russian boasts an impressive record of 20-1-1 and is out to become a world champion for the first time.
Elsewhere on the card, Justin Gaethje takes on Dan Hooker in an exciting co-main event.
Pereira vs Ankalaev: Date and how to follow
This light-heavyweight title showdown is set to take place on Saturday, March 2.
It is being held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The preliminary action is set to get going at around 11pm UK time.
The main event is currently scheduled for 3am on Sunday morning.
The action will be shown on TNT Sports and discovery+ in the UK, with the early preliminary rounds available on the UFC Fight Pass. More info here.
talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will keep you up to date with all the action, while you can also follow all the build-up on talkSPORT’s MMA YouTube channel.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Pereira vs Ankalaev: Fight card
More to follow
Main card
- MAIN EVENT: Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev – for UFC light-heavyweight title
- Justin Gaethje vs Dan Hooker
- King Green vs Mauricio Ruffs
- Bruno Silva vs Joshua Van
- Amanda Lemos vs Iasmin Lucindo
Preliminary card
- Mairon Santos vs Francis Marshall
- Alex Morono vs Carlos Leal
- Brunno Ferreira vs Armen Petrosyan
- Chris Gutierrez vs Jean Matsumoto
Early preliminary card
- Djorden Santos vs Ozzy Diaz
Pereira vs Ankalaev: What has been said?
Daniel Cormier is concerned that Pereira isn’t preparing properly for this title fight.
Speaking to Bloody Elbow, he said: “Ankalaev’s already [in Las Vegas], he’s locked in, I ran into him at the UFC PI last week. He’s honestly so locked in, ready to win this fight against Alex Pereira.
“[Pereira] was in Australia last week, shaking the hand of Drake as he went on stage for his concert…what is Pereira still doing in Australia? He fights in two weeks!
“I got back from Australia and all last week, I’m up at three o’clock in the morning. I don’t care that Pereira’s got weeks to get ready, he’s going to be ready and going to be prepared, but even those two to three extra days when he’s adjusting his clock to get back on schedule in Connecticut…he’s going to have to deal with all that travel and all that difference in time. And where’s Glover [Teixeira]? Is Glover just in Australia with him? Is it just him and Plinio [Cruz]?
“Glover’s the guy, honestly, that should be doing the most work with Alex right now because of [Ankalaev’s] wrestling…Pereira better get home, he needs to get home and lock in, because he has the hardest fight of his title reign.”
But Pereira isn’t worried about his next opponent.
Speaking to ESPN in January, he said: “Looking at him [Ankalaev], the way that he fights, he’s an ordinary guy.
“Of course, he has his weapons, he has his dangers, but I’ve been training hard. I’ve evolved a lot, and I’m ready for him.”
