UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev: Live round-by-round updates

A light-heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev will headline UFC 313 later tonight (March 8) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Pereira (12-2) is arguably the biggest star in the promotion. The former kickboxing world champion's exemplary striking and nuclear power have been a puzzle few have been able to solve.

While his middleweight title reign was short-lived, 'Poatan's' time as the light heavyweight champion has been awe-inspiring. The Brazilian has largely cleaned out the top echelon of the division, apart from Ankalaev.

Notably, Pereira holds two wins against Jiri Prochazka and one against Jamahal Hill, both former champions. He was most recently seen in a TKO win over Khalil Rountree Jr.

In the other half of the main event, Ankalaev (19-1-1) is thought by many as the anti-thesis to 'Poatan's' fighting style. Hailing from Dagestan, the No.1 contender boasts a credible ground game on top of his proficient striking skills.

Experts believe that if Ankalaev imposes a grappling-heavy game during the fight, Pereira is in for a rough night. The 32-year-old is currently on a 13-fight unbeaten run and was last seen in a unanimous decision win over Aleksandar Rakic.

Pereira is currently listed as -112 favorite for the fight, with Ankalaev listed at -108. The main card of UFC 313 is now live. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the event.

Check out the final face-off between the pair below:

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UFC 313: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

Round 1

Pereira opens up with a leg kick. Ankalaev has eaten four leg kicks already. Both fighters are using a measure approach being dligent with their strikes. Ankalaev partially connects with a high kick.

Pereira's high kicks have left Ankalaev's lead legs bruised. Ankalaev loads up and misses with his right hand. The Dagestani attempts a level change, and Pereira defends it.

Our score: 10-9 Pereira. Pereira 10-9 overall.

Round 2

Ankalaev is putting the pressure on Pereira. 'Poatan' is on the back foot. The Russian connects with a powerful teep kick. The challenger is feiting level changes, keeping Pereira guessing.

Back-to-back calg kicks lands for 'Poatan'. Pereira connects with high kicks, and Ankalaev counters with a right hand, moentairly stunning the champion. A flurry lands for the challenger in the pocket.

A good left hand lands for Ankalaev, he follows it up with a jab. Ankalev stuns Pereira with a big left hand. The bell saves the champion.

Our score: 10-9 Ankalaev. 19-19 even

Round 3

As the third round unfolds, Pereira tries to push back his opponent. Ankalev loads up and misses with the right hand. A body kick lands for Pereira. Back-to-back front kicks land for the challenger.

A level change attempt by Ankalev gets stuffed by the champion. A powerful knee in the clinch lands for the challenger. A powerful right hand lands for Pereira. A power jab by Ankalaev momentarily stuns Pereira.

Our score: 10-9 Ankalaev, Ankalaev 29-28 overall.

Round 4

Ankalaev rallies for a takedown; Pereira defends it. The Dagestani seems adamant about getting the level change. The challenger connects on the break and gets right back to another takedown attempt.

The referee separates the pair. A left hand lands for the Dagestani. A front kick lands for the challenger. Anaklaev goes back to wrestling. Pereira seems like he is fading; his movements are looking more and more labored.

Back-to-back knee strikes land for the challenge in the clinch. A very good round for the challenger.

Our score: 10-9 Pereira, Ankalaev 39-37 overall.

Round 5

A front kick lands for Anakalaev. A powerful right hand lands for the challenger. A powerful head kick lands for 'Poatan'. However, 'Poatan's' work rate has diminished considerably.

A power fab lands for the champion. A power jab momentarily stuns the challenger. Anakalev tries to complete a level change. He fails to get it till the closing bell.

Our score: 10-9 Pereira, Ankalaev 48-47 overall

Official decision: Magomed Ankalaev def. Alex Pereira via unanimous decision. (49-46, 48-47,48-47)

Ankalaev is the new light heavyweight champion.