Alex Pereira v Magomed Ankalaev tips & odds | UFC 313 preview

Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and long-time contender Magomed Ankalaev face off in a highly anticipated main event at UFC 313 in Las Vegas this Sunday (AEDT). Pereira is widely considered the greatest striker in MMA, yet leading UFC bookies have this title fight priced at coin-flip odds. Will the defending champ stumble against a tough Russian challenger, or can he continue his winning ways? Read on for a full fight breakdown and free betting tips. 


Pereira v Ankalaev UFC 313 fight preview

Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev

Alex Pereira (12-2-0) has compiled one of the most impressive championship records in the UFC since joining the promotion in 2021 at the age of 34. The former kickboxing world champion landed the middleweight crown in 2022 in just his fourth UFC appearance with a TKO win over Israel Adesanya, then secured the light heavyweight belt in 2023 with a TKO win over Jiri Prochazka. He has since defended the strap three times, knocking out Jamahal Hill, Prochazka for the second time, and Khalil Rountree.

Pereira is a master at controlling the range to set up his lethal arsenal of strikes. He throws every shot with almost invisible power and without telegraphing his intentions. The champ’s jabs to the body open striking opportunities to the head, and low calf-kicks cut away the balance and coordination of his opponents. He moves efficiently around the octagon without wasting energy, stands tall, boasts a lengthy reach, and brings a focus and intensity that can induce fear and uncertainty.

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Magomed Ankalaev (20-1-1) has hovered around the top of the light heavyweight rankings since 2020 with wins over Volkan Oezdemir, Thiago Santos, and Johnny Walker. The 32-year-old fought for the vacant crown in 2020 against Jan Blachowicz, producing an insipid display that was judged a draw. He has since worked toward a second chance at UFC gold, which now duly arrives in Las Vegas.

Ankalaev is a very different striker to Pereira, moving constantly around the cage, throwing with medium power and penetration while slowly accumulating damage and points. Despite a wrestling background, the Russian normally opts to remain upright to throw hands and feet. He can appear a little sloppy during longer combinations but boasts a high cruising speed and solid cardio endurance. It will be interesting to see if Ankalaev pursues takedowns against such a fearsome striker or sticks to his recent game plan and chooses to stand and trade.

Pereira v Ankalaev UFC 313 betting predictions

Given his many advantages, Pereira appears to represent excellent value in UFC 313 betting markets at the best online bookmakers. While it must be noted that the champ does present a hittable target and has been involved in countless wars throughout a lengthy career, he should have too much ammunition for Ankalaev. If the Russian gets too aggressive, he is likely to be felled by a pinpoint strike to the chin, and if he is not aggressive enough, he’ll be hunted down across five rounds of punishment.

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