UFC 320: Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev Preview and Prediction

The light heavyweight title will be on the line once again as Alex Pereira gets his chance at redemption against champion Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 320. Their first fight ended in a decision win for Ankalaev, sparking debate over the scoring and setting the stage for a high stakes rematch. Pereira believes he was far from his best that night, while Ankalaev insists the result was clear and plans to make it even more decisive.

Pereira enters this fight still regarded as the most dangerous striker in the division. His knockout power remains unmatched and his timing makes him a threat from the opening bell. The question has always been whether elite wrestlers can drag him out of his comfort zone. Ankalaev did just enough of that in their first meeting by mixing pressure with clinch control and forcing long stretches against the cage.

Ankalaev is not the most explosive finisher but he is one of the most efficient. He rarely overextends and knows how to win minutes even when little damage is being done. That is the biggest difference between both fighters. Pereira looks to end exchanges while Ankalaev is content with banking rounds. For Pereira to win he must land something significant early before Ankalaev builds momentum.

SHOP: Kickboxing Pads

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Alex Pereira	Magomed Ankalaev
Age	37	32
Height	6’4″	6’3″
Reach	79″	75″
Record	10-3	19-1-1

Fight Breakdown

Expect Pereira to start aggressively with kicks to maintain distance and stop Ankalaev from closing the gap. Ankalaev will likely avoid wild stand up exchanges and instead look to inch forward behind feints before forcing contact along the fence. The longer the fight goes the more it favours the champion. Pereira has shown good stamina in past five rounders but Ankalaev’s style drains opponents mentally as much as physically.

One key adjustment Pereira needs is urgency in breaking free from clinches. In the first fight he allowed Ankalaev to hold him for long stretches without punishment. If he can create separation quicker the striking numbers will swing heavily in his favour. On the other hand if Ankalaev manages even two or three takedowns it may be enough to steal rounds without risk.

Prediction

Alex Pereira is always one clean shot away from turning any fight around but over five rounds the safer pick is still Magomed Ankalaev. His discipline and ability to control tempo make him difficult to dethrone without a finish. Pereira will have moments but unless he finds a knockout the champion should edge another decision.

Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev by decision