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

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.

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.

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.