UFC 313 is heating up with a blockbuster light heavyweight title fight on March 8, 2025, in Las Vegas. Champ Alex Pereira will defend his belt against Magomed Ankalaev, a fighter blending power and skill. Former featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski shared his full take, diving deep into the matchup with fresh insights from his YouTube chat.
Volkanovski started with his first impression of the fight.
“Originally, when I heard about this fight I was like, this is is a tough matchup for Pereira. I still think it is a tough matchup,” Volkanovski said. “But then the more and more I look into it and chat about it, Pereira, his takedown defense is getting better and better.”
Pereira has been a force at 205 pounds, knocking out Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Jan Blachowicz with his striking might.
Ankalaev brings a different edge, staying unbeaten since 2018 with wins over Anthony Smith and Johnny Walker. His wrestling and jiu-jitsu make him a puzzle. Volkanovski dug into Pereira’s past to explain his growth.
“Let’s remember his fight with Jan Blachowicz. He was able to stop takedowns, get back to his feet. Showed a lot of improvements in his takedown defense against a solid wrestler. Probably not as good as Ankalaev. I think Ankalaev’s wrestling and grappling is going to be much better than Jan Blachowicz to be quite honest. But I think Pereira’s confidence understanding. He’s always had a good understanding, but now an even better understanding of the grappling, takedown defense. All that sort of stuff,” continued Volkanovski.
This shows Pereira’s evolving skills could counter Ankalaev’s ground game.
Only ONE can sit atop the LHW throne 👑@AlexPereiraUFC vs @AnkalaevM
[ #UFC313 | Live SATURDAY on @ESPNPlus PPV | 10pmET ] pic.twitter.com/I53CkVVFkW
— UFC (@ufc) March 7, 2025
Volkanovski Sizes Up the Standup Battle
Volkanovski also broke down the standup fight.
“On the feet, Ankalaev, great fighter. Southpaw. Does some great things. Can look very effective on his feet, but Pereira is insanely good on the feet,” Volkanovski said.
He pointed to a key weapon.
“I think it’s going to be hard to bet against Alex Pereira with just how things are going to be. That inside leg kick. I don’t know if you remember with Jan Blachowicz and Ankalaev, was able to make a mess of Ankalaev’s lead leg. So obviously for him (Pereira) to find that opportunity, it’s going to be there.”
Volkanovski wrapped up with his pick.
“I am going to go with the favorite on this one, Alex Pereira. KO. I’m going to go with KO or TKO. I think with him, it’s always a pretty safe bet,” he said. “I’m thinking maybe second or third round KO.”
Pereira leads betting odds as he defends his title for the third time since November 2023, while Ankalaev aims for his first UFC gold. Volkanovski’s detailed view sets the stage for an epic clash that could shake the division.
