The undisputed reigning light heavyweight champ, Alex Pereira, will put his title on the line, for the 4th time in a row, at UFC 313. He will step up for undeniably one of the toughest challenges he has faced against Magomed Ankalaev.
Ankalaev finally getting an opportunity at the belt after a long break. The 32-year-old Dagestan has been waiting to fight Pereira for “ducking” him, and is currently looking for answers, which he might get when they get locked inside the Octagon.
The match is important for both the fighters and the division, which has made betting odds more competitive as punters are showing great interest in the matchup.
This article will take a look at the fight breakdown between Pareira vs Ankalaev and discuss the best bets for UFC 313.
Pereira vs. Ankalaev – Fight Breakdown
- Alex Pereira’s Strengths & Stats
Alex Pereira will enter the fight with a 12-2 MMA record and 9-1 UFC record. He currently averages a significant strike per minute of 5.46 with a striking accuracy of 63%. He has absorbed 3.44 strikes with 55% striking defence. His grappling may not be very strong as it averages around 0.14 takedowns for every 15 minutes. With all these stats, Pereira has 100% takedown accuracy and 70% takedown defence.
- Magomed Ankalaev’s Strengths & Stats
Considering the physical stature of the two players, although they have similar walkaround weight ranging between 220-230 pounds, the Brazilian player has an advantage of 1 inch height standing 6‘4“ tall.
When it comes to MMA record, Ankalaev has 18-1-1 MMA and 10-1-1 UFC record. He has been a balanced fighter with strong wrestling and striking skills. Ankalaev has a 56% striking accuracy and absorbs 2.11 strikes per minute. He is also known for his high-level grappling averaging 1.13 takedowns per 15 minutes.
- Key Factors & Betting Analysis
Pereira is popular for his one-strike knockout power and striking brilliance, being a former UFC middleweight champ and two division kickboxing champ. While Pereira has a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing, and Ankalaev’s grappling also plays a significant role in their UFC fight.
Ankalaev is skilled at control, pacing, and tiring out his opponent. He has excellent right hand skills, which he used in the Johnny Walker knockout.
In the potential fight between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev, the match can move either way based on the fighters’ physical and mental conditions. Pereira’s striking power could make him the winner, but Ankalaev also enjoys equal opportunities using his grappling dominance.
Considering past performance, Ankalaev has the ability to neutralize the striking power of Pereira. However, if you follow the best UFC sportsbooks, you would find that Pereira is a clear favorite. Ankalaev had been the favorite so far, but oddsmakers have changed their views as Pereira has had a run of dominating performances.
Best Bets for UFC 313
- Alex Pereira ML (-115) Over Magomed Ankalaev
Perera is a narrow favorite, but still the best bet choice. He enjoys the advantage considering his superior striking and has won all the last UFC fights, four of which were won through KO/TKO. As such, supporting Pereira to win the match and retain his title is a safe bet for punters.
- Ignacio Bahamondes ML (-125) Over Jalin Turner
Ignacio Bahamondes comes into the bout with a 16-5 MMA and 6-2 UFC record. He is currently averaging significant strikes per minute of 7.17 and 47% striking accuracy. Bahamondes is taking 4.41 strikes with 57% striking defense. He has not demonstrated any grappling skills so far, but has an 85% takedown defense.
Bahamondes is 3-1 in his previous 4 bouts while Turner is 1-3, because of which taking Bahamondes to be the winner is our top pick.
- Iasmin Lucindo ML (-135) Over Amanda Lemos
Iasmin Lucindo comes into the bout with a 17-5 MMA record and 4-1 UFC record. She is currently averaging 3.52 significant strikes per minute with 45% striking accuracy. Lucindo absorbs 2.91 strikes with 66% striking defense.
As for her grappling skills, she has proved to be extremely good, landing 2.40 takedowns for 15 minutes. Lucindo’s superior grappling and striking skills make her well-rounded. She has also won the last four UFC fights consecutively. Due to this, wagering on Lucindo is our top bet.
Meanwhile, if you are interested in betting on the fights at UFC 313, we recommend you to go for prop bets for KO-TKO or decision wins. Follow our betting tips and predictions to know the value picks, favorites and underdogs for parlays.
