MMA fighter Dustin Poirier on what it would mean to be in the Hall of Fame
UFC lightweight fighter Dustin Poirier explains what it would mean to him to be in the Hall of Fame.
The day of reckoning is upon us, and we are just hours away from Alex Pereira‘s pivotal defense of his UFC light heavyweight title against the formidable Magomed Ankalaev at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Pereira has been the early favorite heading into the fight and has a record that showcases his dominance in the octagon. His journey to a fourth title defense has been exceptional, featuring three successful defenses in the past year. His most recent victory came in October, when he achieved a TKO against Khalil Rountree Jr., bringing his record to 12 -2. In contrast, Ankalaev boasts a record of 20-1-1, setting the scene for a must-watch fight at UFC 313.
Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev will face off soon, with the bout available on ESPN+ PPV. The fight is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. ET. Here are the predictions and odds for the main event.
UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev predictions
MMA Junkie: Jamahal Hill picks Ankalaev
MMA Junkie revealed former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jamahal Hill’s pick: “I’m going to go with Magomed. I feel he has more tools to win,” Hill said. “Obviously Alex has that one hit wonder. If he catches you, he can put you away, but I believe Magomed also has that. He has the speed, the patience to counter. He’s been in this position before. He already let the title slip out of his hands once before, and I believe he’ll be a lot more focused, locked in for this, and ultimately has more ways to win.”
BetMGM: Pereira will win via TKO
Staff report: “I predict that Pereira will win via TKO/KO finish against Ankalev. The defending champion’s striking is just way ahead of the division right now, especially when he lands his signature atomic punches clean. I’ve always been rooting against Pereira against superior grapplers like Ankalaev, but I won’t make the same mistake again this time. Pereira’s 70% takedown defense should be decent enough to stop Ankalev’s attempts to take the fight down the mat. If the fight is contested on the feet, Pereira will piece up Ankalaev with his crisp and quick combinations. Furthermore, Pereira has some of the best leg kicks in the game today due to its power, precision, and unpredictability.”
ESPN: Pereira to win by knockout
Staff report: “He must use his range and educated striking to find the damaging shots, like he did against Rountree. The key will be leg kicks. Jan Blachowicz damaged Ankalaev’s legs on both sides, and Blachowicz is not nearly as slick setting up those kicks as Pereira is. Despite being a skilled wrestler, Ankalaev has often failed to commit to wrestling, opting to stand and trade, which will put him right in line for Pereira’s leg kicks. If that happens, Ankalaev will be compromised by Round 3, if the fight lasts that long.”
Sportskeeda: Alex Pereira via KO
Puneeta Sharma writes regarding Alexander Volkanovski’s pick: “Alex Pereira very dangerous because he puts the pressure on and he can flick stuff out untelegraphed and set things up offensively and then on the counter, very, very, very good on the counter. Hard, hard fight for Ankalaev to stay on the feet. [Ankalaev’s] gonna wanna take it down, he will try and take it down, he might get takedowns… I don’t see him being able to submit Pereira unless Pereira gives something up in his process to building up… I’m gonna go with a favorite on this one, Alex Pereira, KO. I’m gonna go with KO/TKO. I think with him, it’s always a pretty safe bet… I don’t think it’s gonna be early rounds. I’m thinking maybe second or third round TKO.”
UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Odds
Odds according to BetMGM as of Friday evening.
- Alex Pereira: -115
- Magomed Ankalaev: -105
How to watch UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev
The highly anticipated matchup between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev will take place on Saturday, March 8, and can be purchased on ESPN+ PPV.
- Date: Saturday, March 8
- Early prelims start time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Steam: ESPN+, Disney+
- Main Card Stream: ESPN+ PPV
- Main Card start time: 10 p.m. ET
- Location: T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas, Nevada)
UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev card odds
All odds are for moneyline bets (as of Friday evening), according to BetMGM.
Main Card:
- UFC light heavyweight title: Alex Pereira (-115) vs Magomed Ankalaev (-105)
- Lightweight: Justin Gaethje (+135) vs Rafael Fiziev (-160)
- Lightweight: Jalin Turner (+110) vs Ignacio Bahamondes (-135)
- Women’s strawweight: Amanda Lemos (+115) vs Iasmin Lucindo (-140)
- Lightweight: King Green (+350) vs Mauricio Ruffy (-475)
Prelims:
- Heavyweight: Curtis Blaydes (-325) vs Rizvan Kuniev (+260)
- Flyweight: Joshua Van (-175) vs Rei Tsuruya (+145)
- Middleweight: Brunno Ferreira (+115) vs Armen Petrosyan (-140)
- Welterweight: Alex Morono (+550) vs Carlos Leal (-800)
Early Prelims:
- Featherweight: Mairon Santos (-295) vs Francis Marshall (+240)
- Middleweight: Djorden Ribeiro dos Santos (-210) vs Osman Diaz (+170)
- Featherweight: Chris Gutierrez (-110) vs John Castaneda (-110)
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