UFC 313 announced: Pereira vs. Ankalaev headlining, features Gaethje vs. Hooker co-main

UFC 313 full card was announced during Saturday's UFC 311 broadcast, with Alex Pereira in the crowd.

UFC 313 promises high-stakes action on March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between reigning champion Alex Pereira and top contender Magomed Ankalaev. The event will also feature an electrifying co-main event between Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker in a lightweight bout with Fight of the Night potential.

The UFC announced the matchups during the UFC 311 broadcast, further cementing anticipation for one of the year’s biggest cards.

 

 

 

 

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Main Event: Pereira vs. Ankalaev

Alex Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC), ranked No. 1 in the division, will attempt his fourth consecutive title defense after a record-breaking 2024 campaign. Pereira, 37, notched three title defenses in a remarkable 175-day span, securing knockouts over Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree.

Magomed Ankalaev (20-1-1 MMA, 11-1-1 UFC), ranked No. 2, enters the title fight on a 13-fight unbeaten streak. This marks Ankalaev’s second shot at UFC gold after a split draw against Jan Blachowicz in 2022 for the vacant title. The Russian has expressed confidence in his striking skills, promising to stand toe-to-toe with Pereira, a world-class kickboxer.

Speaking to Megan Olivi after the announcement, Pereira revealed he had asked UFC specifically for Ankalaev.

Co-Main Event: Gaethje vs. Hooker

Justin Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) returns to action after his devastating knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300. Known for his high-octane style, Gaethje holds an unprecedented record of 13 post-fight bonuses in 13 UFC appearances.

Dan Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC), 34, enters the bout on a three-fight winning streak, including a Fight of the Night performance against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305. Hooker’s resurgence makes this matchup a potential show-stealer.

Confirmed UFC 313 Lineup

• Alex Pereira (c) vs. Magomed Ankalaev – Light Heavyweight Title
• Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker
• Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo
• Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van
• Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan
• Chris Gutierrez vs. Jean Matsumoto
• Francis Marshall vs. Mairon Santos
• Carlos Leal vs. Alex Morono
• Ozzy Diaz vs. Djorden Santos
• Jhonata Diniz vs. Vitor Petrino

With Pereira’s dominant run and Ankalaev’s quest for redemption in the main event, coupled with Gaethje and Hooker’s all-action styles in the co-main, UFC 313 is shaping up as a must-watch event.