Ankalaev (19-1-1, 1 NC) is ranked No. 1 in the UFC's official light heavyweight rankings. He's undefeated in his last 13 UFC fights and most recently defeated Aleksandar Rakic. Ankalaev previously fought Jan Blachowicz for the vacant light heavyweight title in 2022, which ended in a split draw.

UFC 313 now has one of those matchups that gets the "That has Fight of the Night written all over it" attachment. Justin Gaethje wanted a fight against Dan Hooker. He wanted it at UFC 313. If you have 13 post-fight bonuses in 13 UFC fights,

The light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will defend his title against top contender Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313.