UFC 320 predictions, odds, fight card, expert picks for Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira 2

The headline bout pits Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev against the former titleholder, Alex Pereira, in a highly anticipated sequel to their encounter at UFC 313 in March. In their initial meeting, Ankalaev secured a unanimous decision victory, effectively neutralizing Pereira’s formidable striking prowess through a strategic combination of higher strike volume and sustained clinch control. This victory marked Ankalaev’s ascent to the championship, yet a palpable tension remains between the two athletes, each aiming to deliver a definitive statement in this rematch. Speculation surrounding Pereira’s condition at UFC 313, including unconfirmed reports of a broken hand and a battle with norovirus, has added another layer to the narrative, with Pereira himself choosing not to address the rumors directly.

Magomed Ankalaev, boasting a professional mixed martial arts record of 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 No Contest, has forged a reputation as a technically proficient and calculated fighter. His approach often emphasizes controlled striking and opportunistic grappling, although his statistics indicate an average of 0.8 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 22% accuracy rate. His strength in the first fight lay in his ability to control the clinch, stifling Pereira’s power. Conversely, Alex Pereira (10-2 MMA), a two-division champion known for his devastating kickboxing background and formidable knockout power, rapidly ascended the light heavyweight ranks. His career highlights include a swift transition from kickboxing to MMA, culminating in multiple UFC titles. Pereira’s camp suggests a renewed focus and a fully recovered physique, a stark contrast to the rumored challenges he faced in their previous encounter. The strategic battle for the rematch is expected to revolve around Pereira’s adjustments to counter Ankalaev’s clinch game and Ankalaev’s ability to maintain his technical advantage without succumbing to passivity.

Expert analysts from CBS Sports offered varied predictions for the main event. Brian Campbell, Michael Mormile, and Brandon Wise all favored Alex Pereira to reclaim the title, emphasizing his potential for significant improvement with a full gas tank and fewer distractions. Campbell highlighted Pereira’s impressive takedown defense in the first fight, stuffing all 12 attempts despite rumored injuries, and suggested that Pereira’s inherent danger and clutch performance capability could see him redeem himself. In contrast, Brent Brookhouse and Shakiel Mahjouri picked Magomed Ankalaev to retain his championship. Brookhouse pointed to Ankalaev’s continued ability to utilize clinch control and ‘bully’ Pereira, even without scoring significant takedowns, as a path to another victory. Mahjouri echoed this sentiment, noting Ankalaev’s well-roundedness and effective clinch work as key to securing another decision win.

The co-main event features a compelling Bantamweight Championship bout, with Merab Dvalishvili defending his title against Cory Sandhagen. Dvalishvili (17-4 MMA), known for his relentless pressure and exceptional wrestling, enters the fight on an impressive 13-fight win streak, solidifying his position as not only the bantamweight champion but also a top-five pound-for-pound fighter. He has publicly stated his intention to seek a knockout against Sandhagen, a bold claim given his grappling-heavy style. This will be Dvalishvili’s third title defense, and a victory could elevate him into rare historical company within the bantamweight division.

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Cory Sandhagen (17-6 MMA) presents arguably the most complex stylistic challenge Dvalishvili has faced during his dominant run. Sandhagen is characterized by his dynamic striking, unpredictable movement, diverse attack angles, and a strong gas tank, which could potentially serve as an antidote to Dvalishvili’s incessant takedown attempts. Despite Sandhagen’s credentials as a perennial title threat, Dvalishvili has been installed as a significant 4-to-1 betting favorite, reflecting the champion’s overwhelming momentum and consistent performance.

The strategic dynamic of the co-main event centers on Dvalishvili’s ability to implement his high-volume wrestling and relentless pace against Sandhagen’s elusive striking and defensive grappling. Analysts Brookhouse and Mahjouri both emphasized Dvalishvili’s relentless forward pressure and ability to mix grappling with strikes, which they believe will break Sandhagen’s rhythm and prevent him from building an offensive lead. Campbell also sided with Dvalishvili, highlighting the champion’s refusal to be outworked and subtle improvements in his striking. However, Brandon Wise offered a dissenting view, picking Sandhagen. Wise posited that if Dvalishvili struggles to secure or maintain takedowns and chooses to engage in a prolonged striking battle, Sandhagen’s slick boxing and ability to exploit defensive openings could prove decisive. Wise recalled Dvalishvili’s vulnerability in a 2021 bout against Marlon Moraes, where he was nearly knocked out before rallying, as a potential indicator of Sandhagen’s opportunity.

Further down the main card, a high-octane light heavyweight clash is scheduled between Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr. Both fighters are coming off victories over former champion Jamahal Hill and have previously been finished by Alex Pereira in title contests. This bout holds significant implications for the light heavyweight division, with the winner potentially positioning themselves for a future title shot, alongside other contenders like Carlos Ulberg. Prochazka (30-4-1 MMA), known for his unorthodox and explosive striking, has a reputation for engaging in high-risk, high-reward exchanges. Rountree Jr. (13-6 MMA) possesses considerable power and refined technical striking. The fight is anticipated to be a slow burner that inevitably escalates into a striking shootout. All five CBS Sports experts unanimously picked Prochazka, recognizing his unique ability to absorb punishment and relentlessly pursue fight-ending shots. Mahjouri noted Prochazka’s offensive danger and propensity to overcome obstacles not named Pereira, despite his defensive lapses.

In the featherweight division, Melsik Baghdasaryan (7-2 MMA) faces veteran Josh Emmett (18-4 MMA). While specific detailed analysis was not provided, Emmett is known for his knockout power and aggressive style, whereas Baghdasaryan often displays dynamic striking. Four of the five experts—Campbell, Brookhouse, Mahjouri, and Mormile—selected Baghdasaryan, while Wise favored Emmett.

Rounding out the pay-per-view main card is a middleweight contest between Anthony Pyfer (12-2 MMA) and Ikram Aliskerov (15-1 MMA). Pyfer, an alumnus of Dana White’s Contender Series, has demonstrated significant knockout power and aggression in his UFC tenure. Aliskerov, a strong grappler with a developing striking game, presents a tough challenge. The expert panel was split on this bout, with Campbell, Brookhouse, and Wise picking Pyfer, and Mahjouri and Mormile favoring Aliskerov, indicating a closely contested matchup.

UFC 320 is poised to be a pivotal event for multiple divisions, with championship gold on the line and top contenders battling to solidify their positions in the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts.