UFC 313 LIVE: Date, UK start time, fight card and how to follow as Alex Pereira defends light-heavyweight crown in Las Vegas
Alex Pereira will defend his light-heavyweight belt against Magomed Ankalaev tonight at UFC 313.
The Brazilian reclaimed this title in November 2023 when he beat Jiri Prochazka after initially losing the belt to Israel Adesanya.
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He has since successfully defended three times, most recently seeing off Khalil Rountree Jr in October 2024.
Next to try to take the title from Pereira is Ankalaev, who is into this bout after beating Aleksandar Rakic.
The Russian boasts an impressive record of 20-1-1 and is out to become a world champion for the first time.
Elsewhere on the card, Justin Gaethje takes on Rafael Fiziev in an exciting co-main event.
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Gaethje was set to face Dan Hooker but the New Zealander had to withdraw due to a hand injury.
Pereira vs Ankalaev: Date and how to follow
This light-heavyweight title showdown is set to take place on Saturday, March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The preliminary action is set to get going at around 11pm UK time, with the main event is currently scheduled for 3am on Sunday morning.
The action will be shown on TNT Sports and discovery+ in the UK, with the early preliminary rounds available on the UFC Fight Pass. More info .
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talkSPORT and marvelbet369.com will keep you up to date with all the action, while you can also follow all the build-up on .
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
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Pereira vs Ankalaev: Fight card
More to follow
Main card
- MAIN EVENT: Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev - for UFC light-heavyweight title
- Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev
- Jalin Turner vs Ignacio Bahamondes
- Amanda Lemos vs Iasmin Lucindo
- King Green vs Mauricio Ruffy
Preliminary card
- Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev
- Joshua Van vs Rei Tsuruya
- Brunno Ferreira vs Armen Petrosyan
- Alex Morono vs Carlos Leal
Early preliminary card
- Mairon Santos vs Francis Marshall
- Chris Gutierrez vs John Castaneda
- Djorden Ribeiro dos Santos vs Osman Diaz
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Pereira vs Ankalaev: What has been said?
Daniel Cormier is concerned that Pereira isn't preparing properly for this title fight.
Speaking to , he said: “Ankalaev’s already [in Las Vegas], he’s locked in, I ran into him at the UFC PI last week. He’s honestly so locked in, ready to win this fight against Alex Pereira.
“[Pereira] was in Australia last week, shaking the hand of Drake as he went on stage for his concert…what is Pereira still doing in Australia? He fights in two weeks!
“I got back from Australia and all last week, I’m up at three o’clock in the morning. I don’t care that Pereira’s got weeks to get ready, he’s going to be ready and going to be prepared, but even those two to three extra days when he’s adjusting his clock to get back on schedule in Connecticut…he’s going to have to deal with all that travel and all that difference in time. And where’s Glover [Teixeira]? Is Glover just in Australia with him? Is it just him and Plinio [Cruz]?
“Glover’s the guy, honestly, that should be doing the most work with Alex right now because of [Ankalaev’s] wrestling…Pereira better get home, he needs to get home and lock in, because he has the hardest fight of his title reign.”
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Meanwhile, Pereira has , with the loser paying the money to children suffering with cancer.
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In a message posted on Twitter, the Brazilian said: "Since you are so confident you will win, $200,000 to the winners charity of choice. Win or lose this will help those in need. It’s in your hands."
However, it is expected his opponent will reject this proposal on religious grounds because he's Muslim.
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