Fan-favorite Alex Pereira has his next fight locked in for UFC 313.

UFC light heavyweight champion ‘Poatan’ couldn’t have had a better 2024, appearing in three short-notice fights and scoring three emphatic knockout victories. Most notably, Pereira headlined UFC 300, the UFC’s most prestigious event of the decade.

With Pereira in the good favor of the UFC, fans didn’t know what to expect from his next booking, but it is a pleasant surprise that he is fighting the No. 1 light heavyweight contender.

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Pereira sat in attendance at UFC 311 on January 18, where, just before Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill made their walks, color commentator Jon Anik made some breaking news.

Pereira is set to face No. 1-ranked light heavyweight fighter Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313 at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas on March 8. Pereira previously said Ankalaev would not be his next fight, perhaps it was a negotiation tactic.

Photo credit: UFC

Ankalaev hasn’t tasted defeat since 2018, and currently rides an 11-fight undefeated streak. This will be his second UFC title shot since his controversial draw with Jan Blachowicz in 2022.

Anik also revealed an all-action lightweight fight between fan-favorites Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker, which will serve as the feature fight to Pereira vs. Ankalaev.

Photo credit: UFC

Gaethje has not made an appearance since his devastating knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300. On the other hand, Hooker is riding a two-fight winning streak against Jalin Turner and Mateusz Gamrot.

Alex PereiraDan HookerJustin GaethjeMagomed AnkalaevUFC