UFC 320 Preview: Titles on the Line in Las Vegas
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make its return after a lengthy hiatus between pay-per-view events, the last being on August 15 in Chicago. This time, mixed martial arts (MMA) enthusiasts will witness a highly anticipated rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira. “Big Ank” previously defeated “Poatan” via unanimous decision earlier this year, leaving the light heavyweight division craving excitement.
Fans will get to see the action unfold at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night (October 4, 2025). The main event promises not only the title fight between Ankalaev and Pereira but also features a bantamweight title defense by Merab Dvalishvili against Cory Sandhagen. Dvalishvili enters as the heavy favorite, a reflection of his dominance in recent fights.
In another exciting matchup, light heavyweights Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr. will clash in what is expected to be a high-octane brawl that could eliminate one contender from title contention. Additionally, veterans Josh Emmett and Joe Pyfer will also be in action against Youssef Zalal and Abus Magomedov, respectively.
The stakes are high as fighters aim to determine who will emerge victorious in these bouts. In the main event, we have:
205 lbs.: Magomed “Big Ank” Ankalaev vs. Alex “Poatan” Pereira
Following their earlier encounter, where Ankalaev clinched a win against Pereira, there are mixed feelings among fans. While some celebrated Pereira’s departure from the title picture, many acknowledged that his entry into the light heavyweight division added much-needed thrill. Pereira’s impressive run, marked by five straight victories and multiple knockouts, highlights his potential threat.
Pereira’s recent defenses of his title showcased his capacity for high-level competition, but his loss to Ankalaev raised questions about his adaptability. As Ankalaev’s coach pointed out, Pereira may lean towards clinching and wrestling tactics in their rematch since he failed to gain an upper hand in stand-up exchanges. However, Ankalaev’s rising confidence and slight overestimation could be his Achilles’ heel if he underestimates his opponent.
135 lbs.: Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili vs. Cory “Sandman” Sandhagen
The bantamweight title fight sees Dvalishvili coming off a string of impressive wins, with betting lines heavily favoring him. Sandhagen, while talented, may find it challenging to counter Dvalishvili’s wrestling, especially after his last outing against Umar Nurmagomedov showed vulnerabilities. Dvalishvili’s stellar wrestling credentials make him a formidable opponent.
Sandhagen, however, is determined to showcase his full potential in this fight. He feels confident in his skills, claiming he has vastly improved his wrestling. Yet, given past performances where he struggled against elite wrestlers, it remains to be seen if he can implement these improvements successfully.
Other Notable Fights
In a major showdown, Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr. will face off, both coming off significant victories. Prochazka’s penchant for knockout victories may clash against Rountree’s striking power, making this a must-watch. Meanwhile, the match-up between Josh Emmett and Youssef Zalal adds another layer of excitement, with Emmett looking to regain his footing and Zalal seeking to solidify his place in the rankings.
As UFC 320 approaches, fans anticipate memorable moments and potential career-defining outcomes for all fighters involved. With fights lined up for Saturday night, the results could reshape various weight classes within the promotion.
