This Saturday, March 8, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas becomes the epicenter of MMA as UFC 313 unfolds, featuring Brazilian Alex “Poatan” Pereira defending his light heavyweight title against Russia’s Magomed Ankalaev. The main event pits Poatan, aiming for his fourth consecutive title defense, against a formidable challenger known for his wrestling mastery and a 13-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC. Kicking off at 6:30 PM ET with early prelims, the event showcases seven other Brazilian fighters, amplifying the nation’s presence on this global stage. Fans can catch the action live on UFC Fight Pass, with the main card starting at 10:00 PM ET, promising a night of high-stakes battles.
Alex Pereira’s meteoric rise in the UFC has captivated fans since his 2021 debut. The former middleweight champion (185 pounds), who dethroned Israel Adesanya in 2022, transitioned to light heavyweight and claimed the 205-pound belt by knocking out Jiri Prochazka in November 2023. His 2024 campaign was a showcase of dominance, with knockouts over Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, Prochazka in a rematch at UFC 303, and Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307. Facing Ankalaev, a grappler with a starkly different style, Poatan’s striking prowess—highlighted by his lethal left hook—will be put to the test in a fight that could redefine the division.
O Poatan é tão “chato” que esse é o carisma dele kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
A vida do cara é bater nos outros e só pic.twitter.com/miqWFtRep1
— Caio Warriors (@caio_warriors) March 8, 2025
Magomed Ankalaev enters with a record of 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, his sole UFC setback a 2018 debut loss to Paul Craig. Since then, he’s been unstoppable, earning a title shot against Jan Blachowicz in 2022 that ended in a draw. Victories over Johnny Walker and Aleksandar Rakic have solidified his status as a top contender. At 32, the Dagestani fighter’s blend of striking and elite wrestling poses a unique challenge to Poatan, with tensions peaking after provocative exchanges during fight week, setting the stage for an explosive showdown.
Poatan’s journey to another title defense
Few fighters have achieved what Alex Pereira has in such a short time. With a 12-2 MMA record, including 9-1 in the UFC, his transition from Glory kickboxing—where he held titles in two divisions—has been seamless. His light heavyweight reign began with a second-round TKO of Prochazka, followed by a trio of defenses in 2024 that showcased his finishing ability. Against Hill, he needed just over three minutes; against Prochazka, a high kick sealed the deal; and against Rountree, he overcame early pressure to secure a fourth-round stoppage.
Tonight’s clash with Ankalaev marks a new test. While Poatan’s past opponents leaned heavily on striking, Ankalaev’s wrestling pedigree could shift the fight’s dynamic. The Brazilian, now 37, prepared rigorously at Teixeira MMA & Fitness, focusing on takedown defense to counter the Russian’s ground game. At the ceremonial weigh-ins, Pereira’s iconic entrance—face painted and donning a Pataxó headdress—underscored his confidence as he aims to extend his legacy with another highlight-reel finish.
The stakes are sky-high for Poatan. A win could propel him toward superfight territory, with potential matchups against Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall in the heavyweight division looming. His ability to adapt and evolve, evident in his latest fights, makes this a pivotal moment in his already storied career.
Ankalaev’s quest to claim the throne
Magomed Ankalaev is a force of nature in the octagon. Standing at 6’2” with a 75-inch reach, his physical tools complement a versatile skill set. Since his debut loss, he’s gone 13-0-1 in the UFC, with 9 knockouts or TKOs proving he’s more than just a grappler. His 2022 title bid against Blachowicz ended in a draw, but subsequent wins over elite competition like Anthony Smith and Johnny Walker have kept him in the championship conversation.
Ankalaev’s game plan hinges on exploiting Poatan’s relatively untested ground game. His wrestling, honed in Dagestan’s renowned fight culture, could neutralize the Brazilian’s striking if he secures takedowns early. At the weigh-ins, the Russian’s bold promise to “finish” Pereira ignited the crowd, amplifying the rivalry that’s simmered through pre-fight barbs. A victory tonight would crown him the new light heavyweight king and cement Dagestan’s dominance in MMA.
The matchup’s intrigue lies in its unpredictability. Ankalaev’s 11 UFC wins include a mix of finishes and decisions, showcasing his adaptability. If he can drag Poatan into deep waters, the champion’s resilience will face its sternest challenge yet.
Brazilian firepower across the card
UFC 313 isn’t just about Poatan—seven other Brazilians bolster the lineup. In the strawweight division, Amanda Lemos battles Iasmin Lucindo in a clash that could position the winner as a title contender against Zhang Weili. Mauricio Ruffy, a lightweight prospect, takes on veteran Bobby Green, while Brunno “Hulk” Ferreira faces Armen Petrosyan in the middleweight division, eyeing his fourth UFC win.
The prelims feature more Brazilian talent: Carlos Leal meets Alex Morono in welterweight action, Mairon Santos debuts against Francis Marshall in the featherweight class, and Djorden Santos faces Ozzy Diaz in his first UFC middleweight bout. This collective presence underscores Brazil’s enduring impact on MMA, blending seasoned fighters with hungry newcomers.
Key Brazilian matchups to watch:
- Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo: A striking showdown with title implications.
- Mauricio Ruffy vs. Bobby Green: Youth versus experience in the lightweight division.
- Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan: A judo-based fighter aiming to rebound.
Full schedule and viewing options
UFC 313 unfolds in three phases, starting early for U.S. viewers. The early prelims begin at 6:30 PM ET, followed by prelims at 7:30 PM ET, and the main card at 10:00 PM ET. The event streams exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, with the first three early prelim fights free on UFC’s YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok channels.
Here’s the complete rundown:
- 6:30 PM ET: Early prelims – Chris Gutierrez vs. John Castaneda (featherweight) and more.
- 7:30 PM ET: Prelims – Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan (middleweight), Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall (featherweight), and others.
- 10:00 PM ET: Main card – Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev (light heavyweight title), Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev (lightweight), and more.
The co-main event features Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev in a lightweight rematch after Gaethje’s 2023 decision win. With English commentary and replay options on UFC Fight Pass, fans won’t miss a moment of the action.
What’s at stake tonight
The main event carries monumental implications. For Alex Pereira, a fourth title defense in under a year would elevate him among MMA’s all-time greats, potentially surpassing Anderson Silva’s Brazilian legacy. His knockout streak—7 in UFC title fights—faces a stern test against Ankalaev’s durability and grappling.
For Magomed Ankalaev, unseating Poatan would mark his coronation as a champion and further Dagestan’s reign in the sport. A finish, as he’s predicted, could reshape the light heavyweight landscape. The fight’s outcome may hinge on whether Pereira keeps it standing or Ankalaev imposes his will on the mat.
The card’s depth, with stars like Gaethje, Turner, and Blaydes, ensures a night of fireworks. From Brazilian debuts to veteran showdowns, UFC 313 is poised to deliver unforgettable moments.

This Saturday, March 8, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas becomes the epicenter of MMA as UFC 313 unfolds, featuring Brazilian Alex “Poatan” Pereira defending his light heavyweight title against Russia’s Magomed Ankalaev. The main event pits Poatan, aiming for his fourth consecutive title defense, against a formidable challenger known for his wrestling mastery and a 13-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC. Kicking off at 6:30 PM ET with early prelims, the event showcases seven other Brazilian fighters, amplifying the nation’s presence on this global stage. Fans can catch the action live on UFC Fight Pass, with the main card starting at 10:00 PM ET, promising a night of high-stakes battles.
Alex Pereira’s meteoric rise in the UFC has captivated fans since his 2021 debut. The former middleweight champion (185 pounds), who dethroned Israel Adesanya in 2022, transitioned to light heavyweight and claimed the 205-pound belt by knocking out Jiri Prochazka in November 2023. His 2024 campaign was a showcase of dominance, with knockouts over Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, Prochazka in a rematch at UFC 303, and Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307. Facing Ankalaev, a grappler with a starkly different style, Poatan’s striking prowess—highlighted by his lethal left hook—will be put to the test in a fight that could redefine the division.
O Poatan é tão “chato” que esse é o carisma dele kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
A vida do cara é bater nos outros e só pic.twitter.com/miqWFtRep1
— Caio Warriors (@caio_warriors) March 8, 2025
Magomed Ankalaev enters with a record of 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, his sole UFC setback a 2018 debut loss to Paul Craig. Since then, he’s been unstoppable, earning a title shot against Jan Blachowicz in 2022 that ended in a draw. Victories over Johnny Walker and Aleksandar Rakic have solidified his status as a top contender. At 32, the Dagestani fighter’s blend of striking and elite wrestling poses a unique challenge to Poatan, with tensions peaking after provocative exchanges during fight week, setting the stage for an explosive showdown.
Poatan’s journey to another title defense
Few fighters have achieved what Alex Pereira has in such a short time. With a 12-2 MMA record, including 9-1 in the UFC, his transition from Glory kickboxing—where he held titles in two divisions—has been seamless. His light heavyweight reign began with a second-round TKO of Prochazka, followed by a trio of defenses in 2024 that showcased his finishing ability. Against Hill, he needed just over three minutes; against Prochazka, a high kick sealed the deal; and against Rountree, he overcame early pressure to secure a fourth-round stoppage.
Tonight’s clash with Ankalaev marks a new test. While Poatan’s past opponents leaned heavily on striking, Ankalaev’s wrestling pedigree could shift the fight’s dynamic. The Brazilian, now 37, prepared rigorously at Teixeira MMA & Fitness, focusing on takedown defense to counter the Russian’s ground game. At the ceremonial weigh-ins, Pereira’s iconic entrance—face painted and donning a Pataxó headdress—underscored his confidence as he aims to extend his legacy with another highlight-reel finish.
The stakes are sky-high for Poatan. A win could propel him toward superfight territory, with potential matchups against Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall in the heavyweight division looming. His ability to adapt and evolve, evident in his latest fights, makes this a pivotal moment in his already storied career.
Ankalaev’s quest to claim the throne
Magomed Ankalaev is a force of nature in the octagon. Standing at 6’2” with a 75-inch reach, his physical tools complement a versatile skill set. Since his debut loss, he’s gone 13-0-1 in the UFC, with 9 knockouts or TKOs proving he’s more than just a grappler. His 2022 title bid against Blachowicz ended in a draw, but subsequent wins over elite competition like Anthony Smith and Johnny Walker have kept him in the championship conversation.
Ankalaev’s game plan hinges on exploiting Poatan’s relatively untested ground game. His wrestling, honed in Dagestan’s renowned fight culture, could neutralize the Brazilian’s striking if he secures takedowns early. At the weigh-ins, the Russian’s bold promise to “finish” Pereira ignited the crowd, amplifying the rivalry that’s simmered through pre-fight barbs. A victory tonight would crown him the new light heavyweight king and cement Dagestan’s dominance in MMA.
The matchup’s intrigue lies in its unpredictability. Ankalaev’s 11 UFC wins include a mix of finishes and decisions, showcasing his adaptability. If he can drag Poatan into deep waters, the champion’s resilience will face its sternest challenge yet.
Brazilian firepower across the card
UFC 313 isn’t just about Poatan—seven other Brazilians bolster the lineup. In the strawweight division, Amanda Lemos battles Iasmin Lucindo in a clash that could position the winner as a title contender against Zhang Weili. Mauricio Ruffy, a lightweight prospect, takes on veteran Bobby Green, while Brunno “Hulk” Ferreira faces Armen Petrosyan in the middleweight division, eyeing his fourth UFC win.
The prelims feature more Brazilian talent: Carlos Leal meets Alex Morono in welterweight action, Mairon Santos debuts against Francis Marshall in the featherweight class, and Djorden Santos faces Ozzy Diaz in his first UFC middleweight bout. This collective presence underscores Brazil’s enduring impact on MMA, blending seasoned fighters with hungry newcomers.
Key Brazilian matchups to watch:
- Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo: A striking showdown with title implications.
- Mauricio Ruffy vs. Bobby Green: Youth versus experience in the lightweight division.
- Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan: A judo-based fighter aiming to rebound.
Full schedule and viewing options
UFC 313 unfolds in three phases, starting early for U.S. viewers. The early prelims begin at 6:30 PM ET, followed by prelims at 7:30 PM ET, and the main card at 10:00 PM ET. The event streams exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, with the first three early prelim fights free on UFC’s YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok channels.
Here’s the complete rundown:
- 6:30 PM ET: Early prelims – Chris Gutierrez vs. John Castaneda (featherweight) and more.
- 7:30 PM ET: Prelims – Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan (middleweight), Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall (featherweight), and others.
- 10:00 PM ET: Main card – Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev (light heavyweight title), Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev (lightweight), and more.
The co-main event features Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev in a lightweight rematch after Gaethje’s 2023 decision win. With English commentary and replay options on UFC Fight Pass, fans won’t miss a moment of the action.
What’s at stake tonight
The main event carries monumental implications. For Alex Pereira, a fourth title defense in under a year would elevate him among MMA’s all-time greats, potentially surpassing Anderson Silva’s Brazilian legacy. His knockout streak—7 in UFC title fights—faces a stern test against Ankalaev’s durability and grappling.
For Magomed Ankalaev, unseating Poatan would mark his coronation as a champion and further Dagestan’s reign in the sport. A finish, as he’s predicted, could reshape the light heavyweight landscape. The fight’s outcome may hinge on whether Pereira keeps it standing or Ankalaev imposes his will on the mat.
The card’s depth, with stars like Gaethje, Turner, and Blaydes, ensures a night of fireworks. From Brazilian debuts to veteran showdowns, UFC 313 is poised to deliver unforgettable moments.
