The time for Alex Pereira to defend his UFC light heavyweight championship is upon us.
Pereira has established himself as arguably the most must-see champion in the sport, and on Saturday night, in the main event of UFC 313, the Brazilian warrior may have his toughest challenge of his current reign.
Here’s how you can watch Pereira defend his title against No. 1 contender Magomed Ankalaev, as well as the start time for all three portions of the event.
UFC 313
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Main Card: 10:00 PM ET | Prelims: 8:00 PM ET | Early Prelims: 6:00 PM ET
Main Card (10:00 PM ET)
- Light Heavyweight Championship Bout: Alex Pereira (C) vs. Magomed Ankalaev
- Lightweight Bout: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev
- Lightweight Bout: Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
- Women’s Strawweight Bout: Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo
- Lightweight Bout: King Green vs. Mauricio Ruffy
Preliminary Card (8:00 PM ET)
- Heavyweight Bout: Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev
- Flyweight Bout: Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya
- Middleweight Bout: Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan
- Welterweight Bout: Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal
Early Preliminary Card (6:00 PM ET)
- Featherweight Bout: Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall
- Middleweight Bout: Djorden Santos vs. Ozzy Diaz
- Featherweight Bout: Chris Gutierrez vs. John Casteneda
UFC 313 Weigh-In Results
Every fighter on the card weighed in successfully with no major incident ahead of fight night. Here is a look at the weigh-in results.
- Main Event – Light Heavyweight Title Bout: Alex Pereira (205) vs Magomed Ankalaev (205)
- Co-Main Event – Lightweight Bout: Justin Gaethje (156) vs Rafael Fiziev (156)
- Lightweight Bout: Jalin Turner (154.5) vs Ignacio Bahamondes (156)
- Women’s Strawweight Bout: Amanda Lemos (116) vs Iasmin Lucindo (115.5)
- Lightweight Bout: King Green (155.5) vs Mauricio Ruffy (155.5)
PRELIMS
- Heavyweight Bout: Curtis Blaydes (262) vs Rizvan Kuniev (264.5)
- Flyweight Bout: Joshua Van (125.5) vs Rei Tsuruya (125.5)
- Middleweight Bout: Brunno Ferreira (186) vs Armen Petrosyan (186)
- Welterweight Bout: Alex Morono (171) vs Carlos Leal (169)
EARLY PRELIMS
- Featherweight Bout: Mairon Santos (145.5) vs Francis Marshall (146)
- Featherweight Bout: Chris Gutierrez (144.5) vs John Castaneda (145)
- Middleweight Bout: Djorden Santos (185.5) vs Ozzy Diaz (185.5)
At the ceremonial weigh-ins, neither man was giving an inch. Pereira showed up dressed to go to war, but Ankalaev looked unfazed. Here is a look at the interview with the challenger, as captured by Krazy Kev.
Likewise, here is a look at the staredown between Rafael Fiziev and Justin Gaethje ahead of their co-main event clash. Fiziev stepped in on short notice to replace the injured Dan Hooker.
Gaethje won their first fight by majority decision in 2023. The bout won Fight of the Night, and it is among the favorites to produce the same award on Saturday.
Somehow, Pereira continues to make 205 pounds, despite his large frame. Take a look at the champion “embracing the grind” here with his two sons by his side.
With that said, win or lose, this could be Pereira’s last time cutting weight for a fight. He seems destined to move up to heavyweight in an attempt to become the first-ever three-division champion.
Will Ankalaev send him to heavyweight on a loss or will Pereira retain? We’ll find out on Saturday night.
