Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev UFC 313 Odds, Time, and Prediction

UFC 313 odds suggest that Alex Pereira is likely to win on March 8. No surprise there, as many consider Poatan to be the GOAT of the UFC Light Heavyweight Division. He’s arguably the best striker the MMA universe has ever seen, but his wrestling skills might not be great enough to deal with such a combat sambo specialist as Magomed Ankalaev.

However, the Dagestani fighter has promised he won’t be using wrestling at UFC 313. Instead, he wants to go to a striking war with Pereira – will this prove to be a disastrous decision? That’s what we’re here to find out.

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Odds

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When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: T-Mobile Arena in Paradise (Las Vegas), Nevada
• Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
• Time: 11:00 p.m. ET
• How to Watch: PPV

Reasons Why Alex Pereira’s UFC 313 Odds are -120

Alex Pereira is the defending champion of the UFC Light Heavyweight Division. He’s 12-2 overall with a 5-0 record in the 205lb weight class.

Since moving to this division from middleweight, we saw him defeat Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka (twice), Jamahal Hill, and Khalil Rountree.

Except for the fight with Blachowicz (which he won by a split decision), he won all by KO/TKO, which is evidence of how dangerous a striker he actually is. That’s no surprise given that he’s got a background in kickboxing.

His wrestling skills, however, are questionable. Sure, he’s probably been training hard to improve his takedown defense, but we haven’t seen him do that in the Octagon. The thing is that practically all of his fights were striking duels – which is what he excels at.

But what if Ankalaev decides to take the fight to the ground?

Will Magomed Ankalaev Switch to Wrestling?

Magomed Ankalaev is 19-1-2 overall with 10 wins by KO/TKO. He’s got a nuclear option in his fists, which Johnny Walker, Anthony Smith, and many others experienced first-hand.

He’s a hell of a striker, although he’s probably not as great as Pereira. But we do think he’s better at wrestling than Poatan.

The thing is that, like many of his Dagestani compatriots, he too has a background in combat sambo, which you may think of a combo between kickboxing and judo. That said, we’re certain that he’s got the ability to take the UFC 313 fight to the floor.

However, Ankalaev said in a recent interview that he’s got no intention of taking that road. Instead, he wants to go to a kickboxing war with one of the greatest kickboxers of all time. Is this a bluff or does he really believe he stands a chance against Pereira?

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Prediction

We think Ankalaev is a man of his word and he’s going to try and KO Pereira out on March 8. He’ll try, but our prediction is that he won’t succeed. Instead, we predict that just the opposite will happen. Pereira is just way, way better than him when striking is concerned.

Pick: Alex Pereira by KO/TKO