Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira run it back again for the UFC light heavyweight gold when both fighters collide for the title in the main event of UFC 320 this Saturday. Defending champion Magomed Ankalaev of Russia stunned two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira of Brazil seven months ago by claiming the 205-pound gold in a unanimous decision that rewarded a sensational 14-fight unbeaten run in the promotion for the Russian with light heavyweight gold. Pereira became a fan favorite from his knockouts, public spats with Israel Adesanya, and his rapid rise in the UFC, claiming middleweight gold in his fourth fight in the promotion and becoming light heavyweight king in his seventh. Despite his pedigree, Pereira will enter the Octagon as an underdog, as the Russian, who does not know how to lose, has the confidence of the betting markets to retain his championship gold.
Bet on Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira 2 with Bet365
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira Fight Details
- Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Time: 23:30 ET
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Where to Watch Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira Live on TV or Stream
| Country | TV Channel/Stream |
|---|---|
| UK | PPV |
| US | PPV |
| Canada | PPV |
| South Africa | Supersport |
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira Fight Preview
Magomed Ankalaev: form and statistics
The 33-year-old southpaw may have shocked the world with his efficient dismantling of Alex Pereira last March, but a closer look at his statistics and form shows indicators of a man whose discipline, focus, and expertise had him destined for the top of the division. Ankalaev has been unbeaten since a loss to Paul Craig in his promotional debut and arrives in the Octagon on a 3-fight streak, unbeaten in 14 and tied for the second-longest win streak in UFC light heavyweight division history with 9 wins. Magomed Ankalaev is now ranked at No.7 in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. A decorated combat sambo fighter, Ankalaev is an efficient grappler as well as a lethal striker. Though not seen as a knockout specialist, Ankalavev still has a 50% knockout win rate.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 33
- Height: 6'3"
- Reach: 75"
- Weight: 205 lbs (93kg)
- Record: 20-1-2 (1 Draw, 1NC)
Alex Pereira: form and statistics
Alex "Poatan" Pereira became the first person in UFC history to become champion at middleweight and light heavyweight divisions when he overcame Jiri Prochazka to claim the 205 gold in 2024. Just like now, the Brazilian was coming off a championship loss after he lost the 185-pound title to perennial foe Israel Adesanya. "Poatan" is confident that he has done the right things ahead of this fight. The former champ was on a 5-fight streak at 205 before he lost the title, winning 4 of those fights by KO/TKO. A true knockout specialist, the former Glory kickboxing middleweight and light heavyweight champion has 10 knockouts from 12 wins in MMA.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 38
- Height: 6'4"
- Reach: 79"
- Weight: 205 lbs (93kg)
- Record: 12-3
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira Fight Prediction
While Alex Pereira claims that he will perform better this time around, he still faces a significant obstacle in the form of Magomed Ankalaev, who has demonstrated elite-level skills in the UFC. Even before his title fight, it was obvious that the Russian was on the path to gold as he overcame most of what was thrown at him. "Poatan's" only chance of victory is by knockout. Looking at the age difference between the fighters and the fact that Ankalaev is a man in his prime, we predict the fight to go the distance.
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira Betting Odds
| Bookmakers | Nick Ball to Win by KO/TKO | Sam Goodman to Win |
|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | 1.95 | 1.68 |
| 1xbet | 2.29 | 1.9 |
| Betway | 2.13 | 1.56 |
