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.

Alex Pereira will make the fourth defense of his light heavyweight title against top contender Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 in March.

UFC 313 is already packed with excitement, as light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira defends against Magomed Ankalaev, and Justin Gaethje throws down with Dan Hooker in a lightweight contest.

Arman Tsarukyan won't be fighting for the UFC lightweight title anytime soon. Tsarukyan hast lost his opportunity to rematch champion Islam Makhachev following his late-notice withdrawal from the main

Just days before UFC 199 was to be the premier MMA promotion’s first fight card in Inglewood, UFC President Dana White raved about the recently remodeled Forum and called it the nicest arena he’d ever toured.

Makhachev was ultimately too much, earning a record-setting fourth successful lightweight title defense by submitting Moicano with a first-round D'arce choke. Afterward, UFC CEO Dana White said Tsarukyan will need to re-earn his Makhachev rematch.