UFC Fight Night Previews: Wagers and Combos for Pereira vs Ankalaev Clash
Let's dive into the upcoming UFC 313 event, happening on March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Headlining the show is the Light Heavyweight Championship defense by none other than the tough as nails Alex Pereira, who takes on Magomed Ankalaev!
The 37-year-old Pereira has been unstoppable, defending the heavyweight belt three times last year in succession. He's a force to be reckoned with, showing no signs of slowing down, and has already earned a spot in UFC Hall of Fame contention. His signature moves include wearing down opponents and forcing brutal TKOs, and his striking average is through the roof. But will he prove too much for his Russian opponent?
Ankalaev is the #1 ranked Lightweight contender in the UFC, and he hasn't tasted defeat since 2017. This man is a legit striking specialist, honing his craft at the Akhmat FC fighting promotion in Russia. He now holds an impressive 19 wins from 22 fights, with 10 KOs and 9 decision victories.
What makes this matchup even more intriguing is the underdog factor. Despite Pereira's undeniable skills, the oddsmakers are barely favoring him to win, meaning the fight could go either way!
Some interesting UFC betting facts:
- Pereira has a winning record of 14-2, with 12 victories coming via KO or TKO. His only losses came in his very first fight back in 2015 via submission and against Israel Adesanya in 2023.KO/TKO
- Ankalaev holds a record of 19-2-0, with 10 wins by KO and 9 by decision. He has never lost a fight since 2017!150
Keep in mind that if the fight goes beyond three rounds, it might suit Ankalaev, who has a better record when it comes to going the distance. But Pereira has a higher striking average and the advantage in reach, making it tough for Ankalaev to get close.
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Our prediction? Pereira might just edge out the win due to his striking skill and reach advantage, but you never know in the world of MMA! Keep an eye on this one, sports fans!
Here's a sneak peek at some other exciting fights on the UFC 313 card:
Points
- Amanda Lemos vs Iasmin Lucindo: Lemos has dropped down the UFC Women's Strawweight rankings after a loss to Virna Jandiroba in 2024. But Lucindo, just 23 years old, is a promising young fighter on the rise, already ranked #7 in the division. Watch out for this one!650
- Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev: Both fighters have met before, with Gaethje taking the majority decision win in 2023. Fiziev has been out of action since September 2023 due to a knee injury, making this an interesting matchup to watch.300
- Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev: Don't shy away from a good physical tussle like Blaydes does – he's won 13 of his 24 fights via knockout! Will Kuniev, an unranked but formidable opponent, stand a chance? Watch this space!1000
Stay tuned for our UFC 313 parlay predictions, where we'll give you some tips on how to bet to maximize your winnings! Follow us on Twitter @BettingToolus for more updates and expert picks.
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Sources:[1] "UFC 313: Lineups, fights, date, PPV, odds, rumors & news." Cageside Seats, http://www.cagesideseats.com/ufc/2025/3/ufc313[2] "Betting trends: Odds, props, picks for UFC 313." BetUS Sportsbook, https://www.betus.com/blog/sports-betting-strategy/betting-trends-odds-props-picks-for-ufc-313[3] "UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev fight prediction, odds, and analysis." Bet Theory, https://bettheory.com/ufc-313-prediction/[4] "UFC 313 bet tips, predictions & betting odds." Sherdog, https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/UFC-313-betting-tips-predictions-and-betting-odds-199388[5] "UFC 313 expert picks, betting analysis." Sherdog, https://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/UFC-313-expert-picks-betting-analysis-199399
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Pereira's striking average and reach advantage may give him an edge in the UFC 313 Light Heavyweight Championship match against Ankalaev, but the sports-betting averages indicate a close fight. Although Pereira has a formidable record of 14-2, with 12 victories via KO or TKO, only 479 similar fights have averaged over 150 bets on Pereira. Meanwhile, Ankalaev, the #1 ranked contender, has never lost since 2017 and holds a record of 19-2-0, with 10 KOs and 9 decision victories. Though their KO/TKO records are comparable, Ankalaev'sBetting Toolus account suggests that bettor interest in Ankalaev ($1700 worth) is four times higher than for Pereira ($350), indicating odds that barely favor Pereira. With Pereira ripe for what could be a defining moment in his career, the UFC 313 event on March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is shaping up to be a sports-betting opportunity to watch closely.
