Overview

• UFC 320 on Oct. 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will feature Ankalaev’s first light heavyweight title defense against former champion Alex Pereira.
• Ankalaev says the rematch will be "much easier" and insists Pereira be at 100% to remove any post-fight excuses.
• Pereira has claimed he entered their UFC 313 bout with a hand injury and norovirus, a point still shaping discussion of the rematch.
• Ankalaev indicates he expects about two more fights at 205 pounds before moving to heavyweight, adding intrigue to future matchmaking.
• He has welcomed a potential Khamzat Chimaev challenge at light heavyweight, as Pereira’s recent training post drew mixed fan reactions and split assessments from fighters Zhang Mingyang and Caio Borralho.