UFC 320: Pereira vs. Ankalaev 2 Headlines a Stacked Card in Las Vegas

UFC 320 is set to electrify Las Vegas as Alex Pereira gets his chance at redemption in a highly anticipated rematch against Magomed Ankalaev for the light heavyweight title. Scheduled for October 4 at the T-Mobile Arena, the card is loaded with elite matchups, including a pivotal bantamweight title defense and top contender clashes across several divisions.

This event is not just a sequel — it’s a statement card that could shake up multiple weight classes heading into the final stretch of the UFC calendar.

Let’s break down the most important storylines heading into UFC 320.

1. A Healthy Alex Pereira is a Serious Problem for Ankalaev

Seven months ago at UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev neutralized Alex Pereira and claimed the UFC light heavyweight title via unanimous decision. Pereira, known for his devastating knockouts and pressure striking, looked unusually subdued. Post-fight reports — including comments from Joe Rogan — suggested Pereira was dealing with both a broken hand and norovirus. Later, Pereira himself confirmed he was operating at just 40% capacity during fight week.

This time, there are no excuses. Pereira’s training camp, led by Glover Teixeira, was focused entirely on rebuilding his endurance and sharpening his timing. No media obligations. No injuries. Just violence. According to reports, Pereira was visibly agitated during a confrontation with Ankalaev at the UFC Performance Institute, even accusing the champion of “hiding out of fear.”

In their first fight, Pereira rallied late and still lost by only a narrow margin (48-47 on two judges’ cards). A full-strength Pereira is not only dangerous — he might be unstoppable.

2. Ankalaev Must Do More Than Just Win

Magomed Ankalaev extended his unbeaten streak to 14 fights with the win over Pereira and captured the UFC gold. Still, his performance was criticized as too safe, too passive. He had Pereira hurt and retreating at multiple points, but failed to capitalize.

Even Ankalaev acknowledged this in a UFC Countdown interview, stating he intends to finish Pereira in the rematch. He may need to. Another close decision — or worse, getting outgunned — could raise serious doubts about his status as champion.

With Pereira entering this fight hungry, healthy, and more aggressive than ever, Ankalaev cannot afford to coast.

3. Dvalishvili Faces His Toughest Test Yet

UFC 320’s co-main event features Merab Dvalishvili, who is looking to make his third title defense at bantamweight after defeating Sean O’Malley twice and Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili has become a cardio machine and a pressure nightmare at 135 pounds.

But challenger Cory Sandhagen represents a unique stylistic threat. With elite footwork, creativity, and unorthodox striking, Sandhagen has long been considered a future champion. At 33, this may be his last opportunity to claim UFC gold.

Sandhagen’s challenge will be not just surviving the storm, but turning it into a high-level chess match. If anyone can disrupt Merab’s rhythm, it’s him.

4. Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Could Crash the Title Scene

In a fight almost guaranteed to end violently, former champion Jiri Prochazka returns to face the surging Khalil Rountree Jr.. Prochazka has suffered two brutal knockout losses to Pereira but remains one of the most exciting finishers in the sport. He recently bounced back with a crushing KO of Jamahal Hill.

Rountree, meanwhile, has been on a career resurgence — 6-1 in his last seven fights, with four knockouts. His only recent loss? Also to Pereira.

While Carlos Ulberg may leapfrog the winner of this bout (having knocked out both men earlier in the year), a statement win could still push either Prochazka or Rountree back into title contention.

5. Patchy Mix Needs Redemption on the Prelims

Just three months ago, Patchy Mix entered the UFC as a 20-1 former Bellator champion and looked like a potential title contender. But his UFC debut went terribly wrong — a one-sided decision loss to Mario Bautista derailed the hype.

Now, buried on the early prelims, Mix faces debuting KSW bantamweight champion Jakub Wiklacz. Mix’s partner, Tatiana Suarez, also saw a similar demotion after a tough loss.

While his UFC spot is likely not at risk, another poor showing could push Mix far out of the spotlight. He needs a performance that reminds fans — and the UFC — why he was once seen as one of the best bantamweights outside the promotion.

UFC 320 Fight Card and Betting Odds

Main Card (ESPN+ PPV | 10 p.m. ET)

Magomed Ankalaev (c) -260 vs. Alex Pereira +210 — Light Heavyweight Title
Merab Dvalishvili (c) -360 vs. Cory Sandhagen +280 — Bantamweight Title
Jiri Prochazka -180 vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. +150 — Light Heavyweight
Youssef Zalal -430 vs. Josh Emmett +330 — Featherweight
Joe Pyfer -240 vs. Abus Magomedov +200 — Middleweight

Prelims

Edmen Shahbazyan -275 vs. Andre Muniz +225
Farid Basharat -450 vs. Chris Gutierrez +350
Daniel Santos -140 vs. Yoo Joo-Sang +120
Macy Chiasson -180 vs. Yana Santos +150
Patchy Mix -275 vs. Jakub Wiklacz +225
Punahele Soriano -260 vs. Nikolay Veretennikov +210
Austin Vanderford -280 vs. Ramiz Brahimaj +230
Veronica Hardy -650 vs. Brogan Walker +450

UFC 320 Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Main Card Start Time: 10 p.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN+ Pay-Per-View

What’s at Stake

If Pereira wins, the door opens for a trilogy and fresh contender matchups like Ulberg or Prochazka.
If Ankalaev dominates, he may finally shake off criticism and establish himself as the true king of 205.
If Sandhagen wins, he finally gets the recognition he’s fought years for.
And for others like Patchy Mix, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr., this night could define the next chapter of their careers.

Who do you think will walk away with UFC gold? Will Pereira’s revenge tour succeed or will Ankalaev prove he’s the superior fighter once and for all?

Stay tuned throughout fight week for updates, interviews, predictions, and full coverage.