Alex Pereira will defend his title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313

The 37-year-old Brazilian has successfully defended his title three times since claiming it in November 2023, with knockout wins over former champions Jamahal Hill and Jiří Procházka, as well as Khalil Rountree Jr. A victory at UFC 313 would move Pereira into second place all-time in title fight victories at 205 pounds with five, surpassing UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier.

Ankalaev, the no. 1 ranked contender, earned his spot after extending his unbeaten streak to 13 fights last October with a unanimous decision victory over Aleksandar Rakić. This run includes stoppage wins over Johnny Walker, Anthony Smith and Ion Cutelaba.

In a five-round co-main event, all-action lightweights Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker will collide in a decisive matchup at 155 pounds. Gaethje, a former interim lightweight champion, is looking to bounce back from a late loss to Max Holloway in April and solidify his place as one of the top contenders for another title shot.

Meanwhile, Hooker is on a three-fight winning streak, including decision victories over Jalin Turner and Mateusz Gamrot, and a second-round TKO of Claudio Puelles. It’s a dream fight for fight fans, with fight of the year potential written all over it.