UFC returns to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 8 with a blockbuster light heavyweight championship tilt that sees Alex Pereira defend against No. 1 ranked contender Magomed Ankalaev in the headliner.
Pereira (12-2, fighting out of Danbury, Conn. by way of Sao Paulo, Brazil) aims for his fourth successful title defense. A devastating knockout artist, he has delivered thrilling finishes against Khalil Rountree Jr., Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill. Pereira now hopes to continue his run atop the 205-pound division by handing Ankalaev his first KO loss.

Ankalaev (20-1-1 1NC, fighting out of Makhachkala, Russia) plans to capitalize on his second UFC championship opportunity. Currently riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak, he has earned notable victories over Aleksandar Rakic, Anthony Smith and Volkan Oezdemir. Ankalaev now aims to dethrone Pereira and achieve his dream of capturing UFC gold.
Also on the UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev card, No. 3 ranked lightweight contender Justin Gaethje battles No. 6 Dan Hooker in a five round co-main event guaranteed to deliver fireworks.
Former interim lightweight titleholder Gaethje (26-5, fighting out of Denver, Colo. by way of Safford, Ariz.) looks to kick off his 2025 season with another highlight performance. Among the most exciting fighters in UFC history, he holds memorable KO wins against Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson and Donald Cerrone. Gaethje now intends to defend his spot in the rankings by stopping Hooker in emphatic fashion.
Hooker (24-12, fighting out of Auckland, New Zealand) plans to steal the show to continue his climb up the lightweight ladder. A dynamic finisher currently riding a three-fight win streak, he holds thrilling victories over Jalin Turner, Gilbert Burns and Paul Felder. Hooker now hopes to secure the biggest win of his career and crack the Top 5 rankings.
UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev takes place Saturday, March 8 in Las Vegas, Nevada with the main card at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT on ESPN+ PPV. The prelims will be available on ESPNEWS and ESPN Deportes, as well as simulcast in English and Spanish on ESPN+, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT. The early prelims will kick off at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass.
UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev tickets will go on sale Friday, January 24 at 10 AM PT and are available for purchase at AXS.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.
A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, January 23 starting at 10 AM PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.