Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Main Event: Light Heavyweight Title Bout – Magomed Ankalaev (C) vs. Alex Pereira
Odds: Magomed Ankalaev: -230 (favorite), Alex Pereira: +180 (underdog)
Oddsmakers still see Ankalaev as the man to beat, pricing him as a clear favorite following his decision win in the first fight. His ability to manage distance, control tempo, and mix in level changes has kept public sentiment on his side.
Current Moneyline Odds (via BetMGM sportsbook):
Magomed Ankalaev: -230 (favourite)
Alex Pereira: +180 (underdog)
But don’t count Pereira out. The former two-division champion has had months to adjust his game plan, and he now enters the cage with full confidence in his takedown defense. If he ups the volume, lets his kicks fly, and closes distance with more urgency, Pereira’s path to a knockout becomes far more viable. At +180, he represents one of the most dangerous underdog values on the UFC 320 card.
Lightweight | ||
Magomed Ankalaev 20-1-1 | Vs | Alex Pereira 10-3 |
33 | Age | 38 |
6’ 3” | Height | 6’ 4” |
205 lbs | Weight | 205 lbs |
75” | Reach | 79” |
Champion | UFC Ranking | #1 Contender |
This is a battle between two specialists with contrasting strengths: Ankalaev brings a composed, patient style built around control, while Pereira thrives in chaos with world-class striking and the kind of fight-ending power few can replicate. With greater reach and refined takedown defense, Pereira has all the tools to flip the script if he pushes the pace early.
Despite being outclassed in their first encounter, Alex Pereira is no stranger to tactical reinvention. He’s spent his entire career proving doubters wrong, whether in the kickboxing ring or inside the Octagon. In this rematch, he’s not just defending his legacy, he’s looking to reclaim his throne with authority.
What changes? Expect Pereira to come out far more aggressive and composed. He now knows Ankalaev’s rhythm, his entries, and most importantly, that he can stuff the takedowns. This frees him up to open his full striking arsenal. Training footage shows a sharper, more varied Pereira—working body kicks, head kicks, and precision counters.
Yes, Ankalaev remains a highly technical striker with great patience and control. But his boxing-first style leaves openings when facing dynamic, unpredictable kickboxers—openings that Pereira is uniquely suited to exploit.
The narrative of this rematch hinges on pressure. In the first fight, Pereira was tentative. This time, he’ll push the pace early, force Ankalaev backward, and take command of the center. If Pereira can establish his kicking game and stay off the cage, he has the power and timing to finish this inside three rounds.
A return to form, with gold on the line; we’re backing Pereira to deliver in style.
Pereira’s power remains his ace—one clean shot can end the night. This time, he enters with confidence after stuffing all of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts in their first bout. With the threat of grappling reduced, Pereira can open up with his kicks and look to pressure more.
He’s refined his range control, added variety to his striking, and tightened his defensive grappling. If he attacks Ankalaev’s lead leg early and maintains kicking distance, he can force mistakes and set up a knockout. Pereira doesn’t need five rounds—he just needs one clean connection.
Ankalaev’s edge is discipline. He outstruck Pereira in their first meeting with sharp counters, smart footwork, and composure under fire. His ability to mix in wrestling threats without overcommitting kept Pereira tentative.
If he can control the pace again and avoid Pereira’s traps, Ankalaev can win rounds or earn a late finish. But with Pereira likely to press harder this time, Ankalaev’s timing and defense must be flawless.
While the narrative favors Ankalaev’s style-over-flash dominance, some analysts still see value in Pereira’s power and unpredictability.
Michael Bisping (UFC analyst) emphasized how surprising the first fight was, saying Pereira “looked hesitant and unusually inactive” — a result, he says, of being outworked at his own game. Bisping explained:
“There wasn’t much volume. There wasn’t much wrestling either. If anything, Magomed beat him on the feet… I understand that. I’ve been in there with wrestlers myself. You think when you throw, they’re going to shoot. Then they start throwing punches and beat you at your own game.”
He believes Pereira must fight forward if he wants to regain the belt:
“He’s got to be aggressive. He’s got to go forward if he’s going to get that belt back.”
Jamahal Hill sees a tactical shift that could help Pereira bounce back:
“If Pereira comes out and he’s more kick-heavy… it can switch up the fight a little bit. We just need a little bit different of a show.”
Caio Borralho echoed that sentiment but pointed to Pereira’s mindset as the x-factor:
“Alex knows that he can defend the takedown. He can risk to find that knockout, and I think the fight will be better for him.”
Victor Schilling (YouTube): “If Pereira tries to exchange more this time, I just see him getting caught. Ankalaev is faster, more fundamental, and way more defensively sound.”
While Ankalaev is the safer pick on paper, the expert consensus is clear: Pereira’s knockout threat makes him live from the opening bell, and this time, he’s got the green light to chase it.
Pereira opened as a slight underdog, and if you're backing his knockout potential and improved confidence, this is excellent value. He's had time to analyze Ankalaev’s rhythm, knows he can stop the takedown, and has promised to be more aggressive. If he lets the kicks flow and closes distance, he can shift momentum early.
This is Pereira’s wheelhouse. If you're betting on a finish, the KO/TKO prop offers a strong return. Ankalaev is durable but not invincible, and Pereira only needs one clean opening. With both men expected to engage more freely this time, a stoppage is firmly in play.
The first fight went the distance, but many believe Pereira will push the pace here—and Ankalaev may not play it safe either. This rematch could see more exchanges, higher risk-taking, and a quicker resolution. If you’re undecided on a winner, betting against the fight going the full five rounds is a compelling middle ground.
If Ankalaev starts fast and controls the opening round or two, look for Pereira’s odds to lengthen live. That might be your best entry point for a value bet—especially if you expect him to turn it on in the middle rounds as he finds range with his kicks and counters.
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Main Event – Light Heavyweight Title Bout
Magomed Ankalaev (C) vs. Alex Pereira
Co-Main Event – Bantamweight Title Bout
Merab Dvalishvili (C) vs. Cory Sandhagen
Light Heavyweight Bout
Jiří Procházka vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
Middleweight Bout
Abus Magomedov vs. Joe Pyfer
Featherweight Bout
Josh Emmett vs. Youssef Zalal
Magomed Ankalaev is the current betting favorite at –230 (via BetMGM), reflecting his dominant performance in the first matchup and superior control style. Pereira, at +180, is viewed as a dangerous underdog with knockout upside.
UFC 320 will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In the U.S., UFC 320 will be available via ESPN+ PPV for the main card. The prelims are expected to stream on ESPN and ESPN+.
Main Event: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira
Co-Main: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen
Jiří Procházka vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
Josh Emmett vs. Youssef Zalal
Abus Magomedov vs. Joe Pyfer
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