Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev are ready to fight.
This Saturday at UFC 313, Pereira defends his light heavyweight title against Ankalaev, a fight long anticipated. Pereira has been dominant in the 205-pound division, with three title defenses in 2024. Now, he faces possibly his toughest opponent in the UFC 313 main event.
At Friday’s weigh-ins, Pereira was focused, wearing his headdress and issuing a final warning to Ankalaev after their face-off.
“This is a great challenge,” Pereira said. “This athlete has worked hard, but this is my time. Chama.”
This is Ankalaev’s second chance at the light heavyweight title. He previously drew with Jan Blachowicz for the vacant title at UFC 282. Ankalaev was also confident, smiling and sending his own message for Saturday.
“I feel great,” Ankalaev said. “I’m going to defeat this guy. Those booing me now will love me tomorrow.”
The co-main event staredown between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev was friendly. They previously fought at UFC 286, where Gaethje won. Both promised an exciting rematch.
UFC 313 is on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
