UFC 313 is set to deliver an electrifying showdown between two of the most dangerous and well-rounded fighters in the UFC: Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. Both men are at the top of their game, and this fight promises to be one of the most exciting in the light heavyweight division. In this fight breakdown, we’ll analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each fighter, how they match up stylistically, and make a prediction for the highly anticipated bout.

Alex Pereira – The Knockout Artist

Alex Pereira, the former middleweight champion, is known for his deadly knockout power, particularly with his left hook and leg kicks. Pereira has a long and successful background in kickboxing, where he became one of the most feared strikers in the world. His striking abilities are his biggest weapon, and he’s already proven his power in the UFC with his stunning knockout victory over Israel Adesanya to claim the middleweight title.

However, Pereira isn’t just a one-dimensional striker. His transition into MMA has shown that he is evolving as a fighter, improving his grappling and defensive skills. Though his ground game is still a work in progress, Pereira has shown the ability to defend against takedowns and even neutralize opponents in clinch situations. His experience in high-pressure situations and ability to land powerful strikes make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the light heavyweight division.

In this fight, Pereira will need to rely on his elite striking to outclass Ankalaev. His key to victory will be controlling the distance and landing clean, powerful shots, particularly with his kicks and counters. If Pereira can avoid getting tied up in the clinch or taken down, he will have the edge in the striking department.

Magomed Ankalaev – The Complete Fighter

Magomed Ankalaev, a rising star in the UFC light heavyweight division, is a well-rounded fighter with exceptional striking, wrestling, and fight IQ. Known for his precision and versatility, Ankalaev has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. His knockout power is just as lethal as Pereira’s, but Ankalaev’s ability to mix up his strikes with wrestling and clinch work makes him a more complete fighter.

Ankalaev’s ability to control the pace of a fight is another key aspect of his game. He’s incredibly composed in the Octagon and has a calm, methodical approach that allows him to break down his opponents over the course of a fight. He’s also defensively sound, rarely getting caught out of position, and he can adapt his strategy based on what his opponent brings to the table.

In this matchup, Ankalaev will likely look to use his wrestling to negate Pereira’s striking advantage. He has the ability to control the fight in the clinch and on the ground, where he can wear down Pereira and potentially avoid the knockout power of the Brazilian. Ankalaev will need to close the distance and put pressure on Pereira, preventing him from using his reach and powerful kicks effectively.

Style Clash: Pereira’s Striking vs. Ankalaev’s Well-Rounded Game

This fight is a classic striker vs. all-around fighter matchup. Pereira’s striking, particularly his kicks and left hook, is the key to his success. He has the ability to end the fight with one punch or kick, and his counter-striking is sharp, making him dangerous from any position. However, his relatively limited ground game and vulnerability to takedowns could be exploited by someone like Ankalaev, who has shown a well-rounded skill set that can nullify a striker’s strengths.

Ankalaev, on the other hand, is unlikely to engage in a striking battle for long. While he’s a dangerous striker in his own right, his best chance of victory will be to pressure Pereira with takedowns, clinch work, and a methodical pace. If Ankalaev can close the distance, tie Pereira up in the clinch, and wear him down with ground control, he could take away Pereira’s explosive striking.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this fight will be whether Pereira can keep the fight standing. If Pereira is able to establish his striking game early and avoid being taken down or outwrestled, he’ll have a clear advantage. But if Ankalaev can get Pereira to the ground or control him in the clinch, the Brazilian’s striking could be nullified, and Ankalaev could run away with a decision victory.

Prediction:

This fight will likely be a battle of patience and strategy, with Ankalaev looking to close the distance and Pereira attempting to keep the fight at range. While both fighters have elite skills, the edge in this fight likely goes to Ankalaev, due to his well-rounded game and ability to control the pace of a fight.

Pereira’s knockout power makes him dangerous at any moment, and he’s always a threat to finish the fight with one clean shot. However, Ankalaev’s wrestling and grappling will likely give him the tools to stifle Pereira’s striking. If Ankalaev can avoid the early power shots and establish his grappling game, he should be able to wear down Pereira over the course of the fight.

Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev by unanimous decision, after a methodical performance that involves neutralizing Pereira’s striking and controlling the action with wrestling and clinch work.