UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev Sets Stage for Jones Showdown

LAS VEGAS, NV – Alex Pereira will defend his light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313 on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena, setting the stage for a potential callout of Jon Jones, the division’s former champion. Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) expressed confidence in his abilities and acknowledged the implications of a victory against Ankalaev (20-1-1 MMA, 11-1-1 UFC).

Speaking at a press conference, Pereira stated, “I believe so,” when asked if he considers himself the biggest star in mixed martial arts today. “I had a busy year with great success. I just keep doing this work.” A win over Ankalaev could position Pereira for a lucrative fight against Jones, whose future opponent remains uncertain after he defended his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.

UFC analyst and former middleweight champion Michael Bisping weighed in on the potential aftermath of UFC 313. “Of course Pereira now is talking about Jon Jones,” Bisping said, noting Pereira’s recent shift from being open to training with Jones to potentially positioning himself as a contender. “If Pereira was to win at the weekend and get another highlight-reel knockout, the whole world loses its mind, right?”

Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC), who has dominated the light heavyweight division in the past, has been dismissive of fighting Aspinall, the interim champion, stating that a unification bout is a priority for 2025. Bisping added, “The fight to make in the heavyweight division is… Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones for the undisputed vs. the interim. That’s the fight that has to happen.”

The looming question for Aspinall is whether Pereira could indeed disrupt those plans. Following Pereira’s match against Ankalaev, fans are left wondering if a callout to Jones could shift the heavyweight landscape.

Aspinall, who has been vocal about wanting to fight Jones, expressed frustration over the media’s focus on the heavyweight champion. “I’ve been staying away from the media… because in all honesty, I’m sick of talking about it myself,” Aspinall said. He remains focused on securing his shot at the undisputed title, stating, “The answers aren’t in my hands… I’m in.”

The dynamics between Pereira, Aspinall, and Jones could lead to significant shifts in the fight landscape depending on the outcome of UFC 313. Pereira not only faces a tough test against Ankalaev, who many see as a significant hurdle, but also stands on the brink of defining his legacy within the sport.

“I’m prepared too,” Pereira emphasized, recognizing the challenges posed by Ankalaev’s complete fighting style. “Basically or theoretically, it’s a striker vs. a grappler. So if I was a fan, I’d actually want to watch the fight.”

As UFC 313 approaches, the intrigue surrounding Pereira’s fight and potential future matchups makes Saturday’s main event a can’t-miss moment for fans and fighters alike. Will Alex Pereira’s ambitions derail Tom Aspinall’s shot at Jon Jones, or will the expected result create a clear path for the interim champion?