Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev Set for UFC 313 Title Clash Amid Heated Rivalry

The UFC light heavyweight champion and top contender prepare for a March 8 showdown, as tensions rise over scheduling and personal remarks.

Alex Pereira, the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, will defend his title against top contender Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8 in Las Vegas.
Pereira claims he personally requested the fight, but Ankalaev disputes this, accusing the champion of fabricating the narrative to appear in control of the matchup.
Tensions escalated further after Pereira referred to Ankalaev as an 'ordinary' fighter, while Ankalaev vowed to prove his dominance in the Octagon.
The scheduling of the fight during Ramadan has drawn criticism, with Ankalaev's teammate Islam Makhachev suggesting the timing may disadvantage the devout Muslim fighter during his preparations.
Pereira has expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight for a potential legacy fight against Jon Jones, but this hinges on the outcomes of upcoming bouts for both fighters.