Particle.news
Download on the App Store
112 ARTICLES
·
20m ago

Ankalaev–Pereira 2 Nears in Las Vegas With Champion Favored

Oddsmakers favor Magomed Ankalaev — Pereira cites a seven‑month reset, improved health.

Ankalaev vs Pereira 2
Image
Image
Belal Muhammad speaks at the UFC 315 press conference, opposite Conor McGregor on the set of The Ultimate Fighter 31. Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/

Overview

  • The UFC 320 main event on Oct. 4 at T-Mobile Arena headlines a card that also features Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen for the bantamweight title.
  • Alex Pereira told ESPN MMA he was “about 40%” for the March defeat after an overworked 2024, saying extended time off and a focused U.S. camp have restored him.
  • Betting markets list Magomed Ankalaev as the favorite, with ESPN’s Ian Parker recommending Ankalaev to win at roughly -260 paired with over 2.5 rounds.
  • Expert opinion is split, with Dricus Du Plessis backing Pereira to reclaim the belt and Alexander Volkanovski predicting an Ankalaev repeat by decision with more wrestling.
  • The first meeting saw Pereira stuff every takedown yet lose the striking exchanges over five rounds; Ankalaev said he wanted Abu Dhabi for comfort but accepted Las Vegas and expects a more aggressive rematch.