Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira will face off in a light heavyweight title clash at UFC 320. It takes place tonight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ankalaev enters the main event aiming to silence his critics with a more decisive win over Pereira. It marks his first light heavyweight title defense since defeating ‘Poatan’ by unanimous decision at UFC 313.
Pereira had a meteoric rise to superstardom since joining the UFC. He is a former two-division UFC champion, with three successful light heavyweight title defenses. His loss to Ankalaev ended his reign and plans of possibly moving up to heavyweight for the time being.
‘Poatan’ now seeks redemption. He has admitted he was not at his best in their first encounter. Pereira must display improvements with his grappling after struggling against the cage in their last bout.
Both fighters were more vocal during the pre-fight press conference and a tense faceoff. This has added to the anticipation surrounding the rematch.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Ankalaev enters as the -250 favorite. A $20 wager on him to retain the title would yield a total payout of $28.
Pereira, the former light heavyweight champion, is listed at +198. A $20 wager on him would return $58.50 if he reclaims the title.
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira: Method of Victory and Prop Betting Odds
Beoynd standard moneyline bets, plenty of wagers will be made on the method of victory and prop bets. Based on each fighter’s style, there are appealing options appear valuable for bettors.
Oddsmakers favor Ankalaev to win by decision, listed at +145. Surprisingly, they also give him favorable odds to win by KO/TKO at +290. That line surprises many, considering Pereira is an elite striker and former two-division Glory Kickboxing champion.
Pereira’s best path to victory is likely via KO/TKO. That outcome is listed at +300.
The rematch may play out differently than their first fight. Current odds suggest the fight will not go the distance, listed at -134. A full five-round fight is slightly less likely, with going the distance listed +106.
The total rounds prop sits at 4.5 total rounds. The under 4.5 rounds line stands at -122. For those expecting a five-round main event, the over 4.5 rounds line is listed at -106.
UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Pereira Main Card Betting Odds
Aside from Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira, UFC 320 features other exciting matchups for bettors.
First, Josh Emmett faces Youssef Zalal in a featherweight clash. Emmett, ranked No. 8, enters as +381 underdog. Zalal, ranked No.9 is a heavy -490 favorite.
To prepare, Emmett reunited with former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw to prepare for the surging contender. Known for his incredible cardio and conditioning throughout his legendary career, Dillashaw brings experience and intensity to Emmett’s camp.
Training under Dillashaw could help Emmett, 40, stay competitive deeper into the fight.
In another light heavyweight bout, Khalil Rountree faces off with former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka. Rountree, ranked No.4, is listed as a +176 underdog. Prochazka, currently ranked No.2, is listed as a -210 favorite.
In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili defends his bantamweight title against Cory Sandhagen. Dvalishvili, competing in his third title fight this year, enters as a strong -450 favorite. Sandhagen, an unorthodox striker, enters as a +350 favorite.
UFC 320: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira Betting Odds