Alex Pereira’s next opponent and fight date confirmed with Justin Gaethje vs Dan Hooker in the co-main event

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Fan favorite Alex Pereira has his next fight locked in at UFC 313.

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion ‘Poatan’ couldn’t have had a better 2024, appearing in three bouts on short notice and scoring three emphatic knockout victories. Most notably, Pereira headlined UFC 300, the UFC’s most prestigious event of the decade.

With Pereira in the UFC’s favor, fans didn’t know what to expect from his next booking, but it’s a pleasant surprise that he’s fighting the No. 1 light heavyweight.

Alex Pereira of Brazil reacts ahead of the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 303 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 29, 2024 in ...
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Alex Pereira will fight Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC 313 headliner

Pereira took part in UFC 311 on January 18, where just before Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill took their turn, color commentator Jon Anik delivered some breaking news.

Pereira will face the no. 1-ranked light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on March 8. Pereira has previously said that Ankalaev would not be his next fight, perhaps it was a negotiating tactic.

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Image credit: UFC

Ankalaev has not tasted defeat since 2018 and is currently riding an 11-match unbeaten streak. This will be his second UFC title shot since his controversial draw with Jan Blachowicz in 2022.

Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker will be in UFC 313

Anik also revealed an all-action lightweight bout between fan favorites Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker, which will serve as the feature bout for Pereira vs. Ankalaev.

Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker
Image credit: UFC

Gaethje has not appeared since his devastating knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300. On the other hand, Hooker is riding a two-fight winning streak against Jalin Turner and Mateusz Gamrot.

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