This Saturday (8), Alex Poatan puts his light heavyweight title (up to 93kg) on the line against Magomed Ankalaev in a fight that has been in preparation for almost two years. Finally, the two face each other in the main event of UFC 313 , which takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (USA). The Brazilian will be making his fourth title defense against a tough opponent in a confrontation that promises to be exciting.
See too
But at the ceremonial weigh-in this Friday (7), Poatan was focused as always. Inspired by his indigenous roots, he took to the stage with his face painted and wearing a unique headdress, given to him by the Pataxó leader Ubiranan, to face his Russian opponent. With a serious expression, the Brazilian stood face to face with Ankalaev, who responded with a 'sarcastic little smile'. Neither of them speaks English, but the exchange of glances between them was intense. (see below)
NO WORDS NEEDED @AlexPereiraUFC vs @AnkalaevM
[ #UFC313 | TOMORROW on @ESPNPlus PPV | 10pmET ] pic.twitter.com/7GAmQRvA29
— UFC (@ufc) March 8, 2025
“I think it’s a big challenge. We’re talking about another athlete who is coming and doing an excellent job. But this is my moment! Call me!”, said Poatan.
Confident, the wrestler from the Republic of Dagestan once again provoked the light heavyweight champion.
“I feel great, I’m going to finish this guy. All these people who are booing me now, tomorrow they’re going to love me,” Ankalaev promised.
The protagonists of the co-main event, Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev , who are having a rematch, also appeared for the traditional face-off on Friday night. In their first encounter, at UFC 286 in March 2023, the former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) emerged victorious by majority decision, ending a six-fight winning streak for the Kyrgyzstani fighter.
Justin Gaethje (left) and Rafael Fiziev (right) face off in a rematch in the co-main event of UFC 313. Photo: UFC Reproduction
UFC 313 technical sheet
Date: March 08, 2025
Time: Starting at 20:30 PM (Brasilia time)
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, United States
How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE in real time, UFC Fight Pass (entire card) online.
MAIN CARD (00pm Brasília time)
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Alex Poatan vs. Magomed Ankalaev – title fight
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Justin Gaethje x Rafael Fiziev
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Jalin Turner x Ignacio Bahamondes
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): King Green x Mauricio Ruffy
PRELIMINARY CARD (20:30 p.m. Brasília time)
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Brunno Hulk vs. Armen Petrosyan
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Chris Gutierrez vs. John Castaneda
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Djorden dos Santos x Osman Diaz
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
You need to log in to comment.