Alex Pereira has his first fight of 2025.
“Poatan” is set to headline UFC 313 on March 8 in Las Vegas as he defends his light heavyweight championship against top contender Magomed Ankalaev. The main event matchup was officially announced during Saturday’s UFC 311 broadcast.
Also official is the co-main event, which features lightweight fan favorites Justin Gaethje throwing down with Dan Hooker.
Pereira is coming off of a stunning 2024 campaign that saw him headline three UFC pay-per-views and exit each one with a highlight-reel knockout and his light heavyweight belt in tow. Most recently, Pereira defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 in October.
He now faces Ankalaev, the longtime contender in waiting, who is unbeaten in 13 straight appearances since losing his UFC debut in 2018.
Gaethje and Hooker are both looking to stay in the lightweight title picture while delivering another crowd-pleasing performance. “The Highlight” is coming off a brutal battle with Max Holloway at UFC 300, while Hooker is currently on a three-fight win streak after beating Mateusz Gamrot, Jalin Turner, and Claudio Puelles.
