Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev: Predictions, Analysis, and Breakdown

The Main Event (fight 12 of 12) of the Riyadh Season under the weight class 205 lbs (93.0 kg) features Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev. This bout is very different as there is a title on the line. Alex will be hoping to defend his Light Heavyweight Title. Here’s what to know—and who might be a good bet.

Fighters Profiles and Strength

Alex Pereira – WWWWW

Alex Pereira is 37 years old. He is 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds. His reach is 79 inches.

His MMA record is 12 wins and 2 losses. In the UFC, he has 9 wins and 1 loss. His last fight was a knockout win against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307. It earned him Fight of the Night.

He has fought Jiri Prochazka twice and won both times. Their first fight was on November 11, 2023, at UFC 295. He won by knockout and took the vacant UFC light heavyweight title. The second fight was in June at UFC 303. He won by head kick and got another Performance of the Night bonus.

Before moving to light heavyweight, Alex held the UFC middleweight title. He lost it to Israel Adesanya, who he had beaten the year before to win the belt.

He has also won several other championships. He defeated César Almeida to become the WGP champion. He won the Glory Kickboxing Interim Light Heavyweight title against Donegi Abena. He also claimed the Glory Kickboxing Middleweight title against Ertugrul Bayrak.

Alex is aiming for more big wins in his career.

Magomed Ankalaev – WWNDW

Magomed Ankalaev has a record of 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw. His last fight was four months ago against Aleksandar Rakić. He won by unanimous decision.

Before that, he fought Johnny Walker and won by technical knockout in the second round. He landed a right hook and uppercut combination. This earned him the UFC Fight Night Performance of the Night bonus.

Ankalaev fights out of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia. He is currently ranked as the best MMA light heavyweight fighter.

SHOP: Ultimate T8 Boxing Gloves

He joined the UFC in 2018 after a strong run at Akhmat Fight Club (AFC), where he won five fights. In the UFC, his record includes 11 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, and 1 no contest.

The no contest was against Johnny Walker due to an accidental illegal knee in the first round. The draw came in a split decision against Jan Błachowicz when he was competing for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title.

Before joining the UFC, he won the AFC Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Maxim Grishin in the fourth round. He successfully defended the title against Wagner Prado, winning in the first round.

Ankalaev is now aiming for a UFC championship win.

What time is the fight?

The fight kicks off live at Saturday 03.08.2025 at 06:30 PM ET.

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

How can I Watch It?

You can watch it on DAZN and ESPN + Pay-per-view if you are interested.

Statistical Matchup

CATEGORY	ALEX PEREIRA	MAGOMED ANKALAEV
AGE	37	32
HEIGHT	6’4″	6’3″
REACH	80.0″	75.0″
PRO RECORD	12-2-0	20-1-1
FIGHTING OUT OF	Bethel, Connecticut	Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia

Final Prediction

This fight will be harder than it looks. Alex Pereira should never be underestimated. Magomed Ankalaev is a tough opponent.

Alex has knockout power that sets him apart. Ankalaev, on the other hand, tends to take fights to the distance. This fight will likely follow the same pattern.

The safest bet is that it goes all the way. Both fighters have a real chance. But Alex knows how to win under pressure. He has won titles before, and that experience could make the difference.

FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE

OVER 2.5 ROUNDS

OVER 3.5 ROUNDS