This is the second title shot Ankalaev has had in his UFC career. His first opportunity came at UFC 282 in December 2022, drawing with Jan Blachowicz. Yet, the Russian fighter has not lost since his first UFC bout in March 2018. Ankalaev has a career record of 19-1-1 with one no contest, with 10 victories coming by KO.

UFC 313 takes place on Saturday, March 8 with Alex Pereira defending his Light Heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev.

UFC 313 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for live round-by-round coverage and official results beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT). UFC 313 (pay-per-view, ESPNews, ESPN+) takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Pereira, known for his kickboxing and devastating power, faces a formidable challenger in Ankalaev, who brings a well-rounded skill set with a strong wrestling base and solid striking. Ankalaev hasn’t lost since 2018, while Pereira last lost in 2023.

A UFC title is on the line tonight. Big UFC events like this only happen occasionally, and they feature main event-level matchups throughout the entire evening’s fight card. Tonight, though, there is only one title fight,

The main card will be on ESPN+ pay-per-view Saturday starting at 10 p.m. ET, with prelims on ESPNews, ESPN+ and Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET.