UFC 320 fight card: Start time, where to watch and live stream tonight

The headline attraction, Magomed Ankalaev (20-1-1, 1 NC) defending his light heavyweight title against former champion Alex Pereira (11-3), marks a swift rematch following their initial encounter at UFC 313 in March. In that bout, Ankalaev emerged victorious via unanimous decision, effectively neutralizing Pereira’s renowned knockout power and securing the 205-pound championship. The Dagestani champion, known for his disciplined striking, strong wrestling base, and superior grappling, has demonstrated a methodical approach to his fights, often controlling the pace and dictating the terms of engagement. His professional record reflects a career marked by consistent performance and a relentless ascent through the light heavyweight ranks, culminating in his first UFC title. Prior to his championship victory, Ankalaev had strung together a nine-fight win streak, showcasing his dominance over a series of top contenders.

Alex "Poatan" Pereira, a two-division UFC champion with a formidable kickboxing background, will seek redemption and the opportunity to reclaim the title. Pereira’s rapid rise in the UFC, transitioning from a decorated GLORY Kickboxing champion, has been nothing short of meteoric. He famously defeated Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title and then moved up to light heavyweight, where he quickly captured gold against Jiri Prochazka. Pereira’s fighting style is characterized by devastating power, particularly in his left hook and leg kicks, which have accounted for seven knockouts in his eleven professional MMA victories. Following his loss to Ankalaev at UFC 313, Pereira publicly stated that he was only "40% healthy" due to undisclosed issues, a claim that adds an intriguing layer of narrative to this rematch. Should Pereira manage to overcome Ankalaev and reclaim the belt, it would further cement his legacy as one of the most resilient and dangerous champions in UFC history, proving his ability to adapt and perform under varied circumstances. The betting odds, as provided by DraftKings, indicate a closely contested affair, reflecting the high skill level and contrasting styles of both athletes.

In the co-main event, the bantamweight championship will be on the line as Merab Dvalishvili (18-4) faces Cory Sandhagen (17-4). Dvalishvili, the relentless Georgian champion, will be making his first title defense. Known for his ceaseless pressure, high-volume striking, and relentless takedown attempts, "The Machine" has compiled an impressive ten-fight win streak, establishing himself as a dominant force in the 135-pound division. Dvalishvili’s ambition extends beyond mere defense; he has publicly stated a goal to achieve four title defenses within a 12-month period, an exceptionally demanding target that underscores his drive and confidence. To meet this challenging objective, he must secure a victory against Sandhagen tonight.

Cory Sandhagen, often referred to as "The Sandman," finally gets his shot at undisputed UFC gold after a career marked by elite competition and near misses. Sandhagen’s dynamic and innovative striking, combined with an evolving ground game, has positioned him as one of the most exciting and dangerous contenders in the bantamweight division. His professional record includes victories over notable names such as Marlon Moraes, Frankie Edgar, and Rob Font. Sandhagen’s career trajectory is particularly noteworthy as the four UFC fighters who defeated him—Aljamain Sterling, Petr Yan, T.J. Dillashaw, and Song Yadong—all either immediately fought for an undisputed title or were in immediate title contention themselves. This pattern highlights the caliber of opposition Sandhagen has consistently faced and his consistent placement at the precipice of championship contention. For Sandhagen, this fight represents the culmination of years of hard work and an opportunity to finally claim the coveted belt.

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Adding further depth to the main card is a pivotal light heavyweight clash between two of the division’s most explosive fighters, Jiri Prochazka (30-4-1) and Khalil Rountree Jr. (13-5, 1 NC). Both men have previously fallen short in title bids against Alex Pereira, making this bout a critical juncture for their respective title aspirations. Prochazka, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, is celebrated for his unconventional striking, high-risk style, and penchant for dramatic finishes. After vacating his title due to a severe shoulder injury, he returned to face Pereira for the vacant belt, ultimately losing via TKO. A win against Rountree Jr. would be essential for "Denisa" to re-establish himself in the title picture. Khalil Rountree Jr., a powerful striker with significant knockout power, has also been on an impressive run, demonstrating improved technique and composure in his recent outings. His last fight saw him drop a decision to Pereira. This matchup promises fireworks, as both fighters are known for their willingness to engage in stand-up battles, with the winner potentially positioning themselves for another shot at the light heavyweight crown in a highly competitive division.

The undercard also features a significant featherweight encounter between veteran Josh Emmett (19-4) and rising prospect Youssef Zalal (14-5-1). Emmett, a seasoned contender known for his heavy hands and durability, has been a consistent presence in the top 10 of the featherweight division for several years. His reputation as "one of the toughest outs in the sport" stems from his ability to withstand punishment and deliver devastating counter-strikes. Zalal, a Moroccan native, enters this bout on an impressive seven-fight win streak, showcasing a diverse skill set that includes three submissions in his first four UFC appearances. This fight serves as a critical crossroads for both men: Emmett aims to hold his ground against a surging contender and potentially climb back into title contention, while Zalal seeks to add a veteran name to his resume and announce his arrival as a serious threat in the featherweight division.

The event’s schedule is structured to provide a full night of action. Early preliminary bouts are set to begin at 6 p.m. ET, available for viewing on FX and ESPN+. The televised prelims will follow at 8 p.m. ET, also broadcast on FX and ESPN+. The highly anticipated main card is slated to kick off at 10 p.m. ET and will be exclusively available via ESPN+ Pay-Per-View, priced at $79.99 for access. All fights will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, a venue synonymous with major combat sports events. The comprehensive fight card promises a series of compelling matchups with significant implications across multiple weight classes, making UFC 320 a must-watch event for mixed martial arts enthusiasts.