Light Heavyweight Gold on the Line as Ankalaev and Pereira Headline UFC 320 Rematch

The mixed martial arts world turns its attention to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday, as reigning Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev prepares for a highly anticipated rematch against former titleholder Alex Pereira at UFC 320. The championship clash, dubbed "Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2," marks the second time this year these elite competitors will face each other, with Ankalaev having claimed the title from Pereira via unanimous decision at UFC 313 in March. The main card action is slated to commence at 10 p.m. ET, promising a night of high-stakes contests.

Ankalaev, who enters the Octagon as the favorite at -238 (risk $238 to win $100) according to DraftKings Sportsbook, aims to solidify his reign. His opponent, Alex Pereira, listed as the +195 underdog, seeks to reclaim the belt he previously held. The Dagestani champion, 33, rides a three-bout winning streak, following a no-contest result against Johnny Walker in October 2023. His professional record stands at an impressive 20-1 since turning pro in January 2014, with his sole defeat dating back to March 2018, a submission loss to Paul Craig in his UFC debut. Ankalaev’s ascent has been marked by dominance, showcasing a blend of elite striking, powerful wrestling, and formidable defensive grappling. He holds the distinction of being the first Russian UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and is tied with Carlos Ulberg for the second-longest win streak in the division’s history with nine consecutive victories. His overall unbeaten streak of 14 fights also ranks fifth in UFC history, underscoring his consistency and skill. A three-time World MMA Association champion, Ankalaev’s technical precision and ability to control the pace of a fight were key in his initial victory over Pereira, where he effectively neutralized the Brazilian’s striking threats.

Alex Pereira, 38, is a prominent figure in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, currently sitting at number 10. Known affectionately as "Poatan," Pereira’s career is defined by his devastating striking power, honed through an extensive and highly successful kickboxing background where he amassed a 33-7 record with 21 knockout victories. In MMA, he holds a 12-3 record, with 10 wins coming by knockout. Pereira made history as the first and only fighter to win both the UFC Middleweight and Light Heavyweight championships. He initially captured the Light Heavyweight title by defeating Jiří Procházka at UFC 295 in November 2023 and successfully defended it once against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 in April 2024, before losing it to Ankalaev at UFC 313. Despite the loss in their first encounter, Pereira remains a constant threat, possessing the ability to end a fight with a single blow. His five Performance of the Night awards and one Fight of the Night bonus attest to his exciting style and fight-finishing prowess. The rematch offers Pereira an immediate opportunity for redemption and to reassert his dominance in the division.

The co-main event features another high-stakes championship bout, as Merab Dvalishvili faces Cory Sandhagen for the Bantamweight Championship. Dvalishvili enters as a significant favorite at -395, with Sandhagen listed at +310. Dvalishvili, known for his relentless pace, suffocating wrestling, and incredible cardio, has been on an unstoppable ascent in the bantamweight division. His relentless pressure and ability to secure takedowns have overwhelmed a series of top contenders, positioning him as one of the most dominant forces in the weight class. Sandhagen, conversely, brings an unorthodox and dynamic striking attack, utilizing a wide array of kicks, knees, and elbows from unconventional angles. His reach and movement make him a difficult puzzle to solve, and he has consistently engaged in thrilling contests against the division’s elite. This matchup represents a classic clash of styles: Dvalishvili’s grappling-heavy approach against Sandhagen’s creative striking, with the bantamweight title hanging in the balance.

Related News :

• Makhachev Eyes Historic Welterweight Title, Declares Undisputed Claim to Lightweight Crown
• Former UFC Fighter Casey Kenney Sentenced to Six Months in Jail for Domestic Violence
• Post-Fight Turmoil: Ian Machado Garry and Khamzat Chimaev Engage in Backstage Confrontation
• UFC Unveils Final 2025 Schedule: Blockbuster PPVs and Streaming Transition Mark Year’s End
• Tom Aspinall Shifts Focus to Undisputed Title Defense Against Ciryl Gane, Citing Desire for Active Competition Beyond Past Controversies

For those looking to navigate the complex betting landscape of UFC 320, expert analysis often provides valuable perspective. Daniel Vithlani, widely known as Danny Brasco and a consistent winner for SportsLine members, has released his comprehensive picks and betting advice for the event. Since his debut in January 2023 with a flawless 5-0 record at UFC 283, Vithlani has accrued over $1,500 in profits on his UFC main-card selections. His analytical approach has yielded notable results, including successfully predicting Sean O’Malley’s upset victory (+210) over Aljamain Sterling (-250) at UFC 292, as part of a 4-1 main card performance. Furthermore, his picks for UFC 299 included underdog selections on Dustin Poirier (+190) against Benoit Saint Denis (-230) and Michael Page (+110) against Kevin Holland (-130), demonstrating his acumen for identifying value.

Vithlani has thoroughly analyzed every angle of the Ankalaev vs. Pereira rematch and the entire UFC 320 card. One of his revealed selections targets the early preliminary card, backing Punahale Soriano (-395) to defeat Nikolay Veretennikov (+310) in a welterweight matchup. Vithlani’s rationale highlights Soriano’s recent improvements, stating, "Soriano has elevated his game since joining Xtreme Cotoure MMA gym. He is now on a two-fight win streak in which he controlled one opponent with his wrestling and put the other’s lights out with his knockout power." He further elaborates on Soriano’s strategy: "Soriano throws heavy hooks and overhand shots, which help him close the distance to get to his wrestling attack." Conversely, Vithlani identifies Veretennikov’s potential vulnerabilities: "Veretennikov may be the more technical striker, but I think he will be taken down multiple times. In his last fight against a 21-year-old prospect, Veretennikov won a split decision that I do not feel he deserved. Against the veteran wrestler Austin Vanderford, Veretennikov had no answers with his defensive grappling and was totally dominated on the mat. Soriano can look to exploit him on the ground." This detailed breakdown exemplifies the depth of analysis Vithlani brings to his predictions.

Beyond the two title fights, UFC 320 features a robust main card with several compelling matchups that could significantly impact their respective divisions.

• Jiri Prochazka (-205) vs. Khalil Rountree (+170): A pivotal light heavyweight contest pits former champion Jiri Prochazka against the heavy-hitting Khalil Rountree. Prochazka, known for his unconventional, aggressive striking and high-volume attacks, will look to re-establish himself at the top of the division. Rountree, a powerful striker with significant knockout potential, aims to derail Prochazka’s comeback and ascend the rankings himself. This fight promises fireworks, with both fighters preferring to stand and trade.

• Josh Emmett (+360) vs. Youssef Zalal (-470): This featherweight bout presents a classic veteran-versus-prospect dynamic. Josh Emmett, a seasoned knockout artist with formidable power in his hands, has been a consistent presence in the top 145-pound rankings. He faces Youssef Zalal, a younger, more agile fighter who brings a well-rounded skill set and seeks to make a statement against a high-profile opponent. Zalal’s significant favoritism reflects confidence in his youth and versatility against Emmett’s veteran power.

• Abus Magomedov (+195) vs. Joe Pyfer (-238): The middleweight division delivers another exciting clash between Abus Magomedov and Joe Pyfer. Magomedov is known for his fast starts and powerful striking, often seeking early finishes. Pyfer, a Dana White’s Contender Series alumnus, has impressed with his knockout power and aggressive style, establishing himself as a fan favorite. This matchup is expected to be a high-octane affair, with both fighters possessing the ability to end the fight instantaneously.

UFC 320 is set to deliver an evening of intense competition, with championship gold on the line and pivotal matchups across multiple weight classes. The highly anticipated rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira headlines an event poised to shape the future of the light heavyweight division and beyond. Expert predictions and detailed breakdowns, such as those provided by Daniel Vithlani, offer fans and bettors alike a deeper understanding of the potential outcomes as fight night approaches.

💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook

Author Profile

Ali Akbar Rosady

Latest entries

• MMANovember 30, 2025Light Heavyweight Gold on the Line as Ankalaev and Pereira Headline UFC 320 Rematch
• MMANovember 30, 2025Holloway Balances White House Ambition with Call for Oliveira Rematch Amidst Injury Recovery
• MMANovember 30, 2025UFC 320 Prepares for Explosive Light Heavyweight Rematch Between Ankalaev and Pereira, Bantamweight Title on the Line
• MMANovember 30, 2025Olympic Medalist Yoel Romero Set to Challenge Bo Nickal for RAF Light Heavyweight Title in Highly Anticipated December Showdown