VIDEO: Poatan and Ankalaev have a final face-off and exchange final words before UFC 313

Poatan and Ankalaev face off before the UFC 313. Photo: Reproduction Instagram UFC

This Saturday (8), Alex Poatán  puts his light heavyweight title (up to 93kg.) on the line against Magomed Ankalayev in a fight that had been in the works for almost two years. Finally, the two face off in the main event of the UFC 313, which takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (USA). The Brazilian will be defending his belt for the fourth time against a tough opponent in a fight that promises to be exciting.

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But at the ceremonial weigh-in on Friday (7), Poatan was focused as always. Inspired by his indigenous roots, he went on 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 came 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 @ESPNMore 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.

Protagonists of the co-main fight, Justin gaethje e Raphael Fiziev, who are having a rematch, also showed up for the traditional face-off on Friday night. In the first meeting, in UFC 286 in March 2023, the former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) emerged victorious by majority decision and ended a six-fight winning streak for the Kyrgyz athlete.

Justin gaethje (left) and Raphael Fiziev (right) have a rematch in the co-main event of UFC 313. Photo: UFC Reproduction

PUBLICITY:

UFC 313 technical sheet

Order date: March 08th, 2025

Open Hours: From 20:30 pm (Brasília time)

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, United States

How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE In real time, UFC Fight Pass (the entire card) online.

MAIN CARD (00pm Brasília time)

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Alex Poatán x Magomed Ankalayev – fight for the belt

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Justin gaethje x Raphael Fiziev

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): jalin turner x Ignatius Bahamondes

Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Amanda lemos x Iasmin Lucindo

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): King Green x Mauricio Ruffy

PRELIMINARY CARD (20:30 p.m. Brasília time)

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Curtis blaydes x Rizvan Kuniev

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joshua Van x King Tsuruya

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Bruno Hulk x Armen petrosyan

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): alex morono x Carlos Leal

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Mairon Santos x Francis Marshall

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Chris Gutierrez x John Castaneda

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Djorden dos Santos x Osman Diaz