UFC - UFC #313
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Pereira vs Ankalaev Prediction & Picks - UFC #313
by Stephen Abiola | in UFC Picks
Alex Pereira (12-2-0) will defend his UFC light heavyweight crown when he takes on Magomed Ankalaev (20-1-1) on Saturday night at UFC 313. The defending champion is the -125 betting champion and has been on a rampage lately. "Poatan" will walk into the Octagon as the undefeated champion in the division after defending the title thrice since winning it from Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295 in November 2023. In October last year, he defeated Rountree Jr. in the fourth round via a KO punch to retain his crown.
Magomed, on the other hand, is in blistering form and should be a threat to anyone he faces inside the Octagon. The former WFCA champ joined the franchise in 2018, losing to Paul Craig via submission. Since then, he hasn't tasted defeat inside the Octagon. The Russian champion almost became champion in December 2022 after his title fight with Jan Blachowicz ended in a stalemate. He will be eager to avoid such a misfortune on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena.
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Pereira - Ankalaev Key Points
- Ankalaev hasn't lost in his last 12 UFC fights.
- The total rounds exceeded 2.5 in five of the last eight Ankalaev fights.
- The total rounds went under 2.5 in three of the last five Pereira fights.
- Pereira has lost only once in his 10 UFC assignments.
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Our Pereira vs Ankalaev Prediction
This matchup will be between an excellent striker and grappler in the division. Pereira's striking is almost way ahead of everyone in the division, especially when he lands his signature atomic punches. Conversely, Magomed is the superior grappler and won't hesitate to take the clash down the match if an opening arises. However, Pereira isn't easy to take down to the mat, boasting a takedown defensive record of 70%. This should be enough to stop Magomed's takedown attempts and keep the fight on the feet where Pereira excels inside the Octagon. We think Pereira should defend his title on Saturday night. Our prediction for Pereira vs Magomed: Over 2.5 rounds.
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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