UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on March 8, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas Valley, United States.
Background
A UFC Light Heavyweight Championship bout between current champion (also former UFC Middleweight Champion and former Glory Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion) Alex Pereira and former title challenger Magomed Ankalaev is expected to headline the event.
A five-round lightweight bout between former interim UFC Lightweight Champion (also former WSOF Lightweight Champion) Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker is expected to serve as the co-headliner.
A heavyweight bout between Jhonata Diniz and Vitor Petrino was expected to take place at the event. However, Petrino was forced to withdraw from the fight due to lateral epicondylitis in both elbows. It is unclear at the moment if a replacement will be sought by UFC officials.
A heavyweight bout between former interim UFC Heavyweight Championship challenger Curtis Blaydes and promotional newcomer Rizvan Kuniev was scheduled for UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song. However, the bout was moved to this event for unknown reasons.
A bantamweight bout between Chris Gutiérrez and undefeated prospect Jean Matsumoto was scheduled for this event. However, Matsumoto was withdrawn from this event in order to serve as a replacement fighter against Rob Font at UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song two weeks prior. It is unclear if a replacement will be found for Gutiérrez.
Bruno Gustavo da Silva and Joshua Van were expected to meet in a flyweight bout on the preliminary card. However on February 17, Silva pulled out due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Road to UFC Season 2 flyweight winner Rei Tsuruya.