Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira: Clash of Titans at UFC 320
The UFC 320 main event in Las Vegas features a high-caliber matchup. Magomed Ankalaev will seek to defend his light heavyweight title against Alex Pereira. The main card is scheduled for Saturday at 10 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on ESPN PPV. The prelims will start at 8 p.m. ET on ESPNEWS/ESPN+/Disney+/FX, followed by the early prelims at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+/Disney+/FX. Ankalaev comes to this fight after defeating Pereira by unanimous decision at UFC 313 in March. Ankalaev, ranked number 7 in ESPN’s pound-for-pound ranking, has not suffered a defeat since March 2018. For his part, Pereira, former middleweight and light heavyweight champion, will seek to regain lost ground. In the co-main event, Cory Sandhagen will challenge Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight championship. Dvalishvili, ranked number 3 in ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings, will seek his third title defense, after obtaining the belt at UFC 306 in September 2024. Sandhagen, number 5 in bantamweight according to ESPN, secured his title opportunity after knocking out Deiveson Figueiredo in the second round at a UFC Fight Night in May. In addition, on Friday, the PFL returns with the PFL Champions Series Dubai event at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at 11:30 a.m. ET on ESPN Unlimited. The main event will be the lightweight title rematch between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes. Nurmagomedov won the first fight by majority decision in January.Expert Predictions and Analysis
Alofoke Deportes analysts and commentators offer their predictions for the UFC title fights, while betting expert Ian Parker provides insights on the value bets available on both cards.UFC Light Heavyweight Title Fight
I don’t like to make excuses, but I can’t ignore the fact that it was clear Pereira was extremely sick during the 10 days leading up to the first fight. He was overtrained and over-traveled. With a reset and some rest, I think he will show his true potential. Ankalaev fought at his peak in the first one. Pereira wasn’t close to his best level.
Anthony Smith
I almost always favor the guy who has more ways to win. Ankalaev fought the first fight during Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, so, as this fight is outside of Ramadan, I think Ankalaev should have a little more energy, more enthusiasm in his step. He should be faster this time. He will be able to take down and connect more punches to win by decision.
Din Thomas
Betting Analysis
Parker predicts Ankalaev (-260) to win and for the fight to last more than 2.5 rounds. For Pereira to win, he must defend takedowns as he did in the first fight and unleash his hands. He cannot allow Ankalaev to dictate the pace and narrative of the fight. Parker believes the fight is likely to unfold similarly to the first one, with the possibility of Ankalaev achieving some takedowns. He recommends combining Ankalaev’s victory with over 2.5 rounds, which could offer a valuable bet.UFC Bantamweight Title Fight
Sandhagen could be the most complete fighter in the division. He is definitely the most dangerous finisher, but he has a weakness and that is high-level, high-pressure fighters. I love Sandhagen’s game and style, but he hasn’t shown the ability to stop high-paced, well-conditioned fighters who engage a lot. He needs a finish to win, but Dvalishvili has been unstoppable.
Smith
Merab is constantly improving. Sandhagen is very good at solving puzzles, but Dvalishvili is always adding things to his game that Sandhagen probably hasn’t seen. Dvalishvili will be able to get the job done, by decision, obviously, we are talking about Merab here.
Thomas
