UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira had a banner year in 2024 but now he must face who many have named his most credible challenger. Magomed Ankalaev finally challenges Pereira for the title at UFC 313.

Magomed Ankalaev issued a stern warning towards UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. Ankalaev (20-1-1 MMA, 11-1-1 UFC) challenges Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) in the UFC 313 main event March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas ( ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPNews, ESPN+).

Blachowicz fought Ankalaev in a split draw at UFC 282 in December 2022, before the Polish fighter lost via split decision to Pereira in July 2023. He hasn't competed since his loss to the Brazilian in Pereira's light heavyweight debut, but returns against rising contender Carlos Ulberg on the 22nd of March at UFC Fight Night 255 in London.

Etched in the history books as major rivals, Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya may be turning over a new leaf. At Saturday's UFC 312 in Sydney, the two fighters were seated next to one another. Not only did they appear to tolerate each other's presence,