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Date: 4 October 2025
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Headliners: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2 (Light Heavyweight Title), Dvalishvili vs Sandhagen (Bantamweight Title)

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Main Event: Magomed Ankalaev (c) vs Alex Pereira 2 – Light Heavyweight Championship

Context

Their first clash at UFC 313 ended with Ankalaev dethroning Pereira by unanimous decision. The fight was defined by Ankalaev’s ability to take Pereira down at will and nullify his striking weapons. Pereira, a two-weight UFC champion and elite kickboxer, now seeks redemption.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Magomed Ankalaev:
  • Strengths: Elite sambo base, chain wrestling, composed striking, tactical discipline.
  • Weaknesses: Sometimes too passive, not the most damaging finisher when fights go long.
• Alex Pereira:
  • Strengths: Lethal left hook, high-level kickboxing, knockout power in both hands.
  • Weaknesses: Defensive grappling, slower in scrambles, cardio tested in long wrestling-heavy fights.

Tactical Keys

• Ankalaev: Recreate the blueprint. Push Pereira to the fence, attack double-legs, and force long spells of top control. Limit exchanges on the feet and bank rounds through pressure and damage from top.
• Pereira: Improve first-layer takedown defence and use the jab and leg kicks to keep Ankalaev at range. His best chance is an early knockout before Ankalaev settles into rhythm.

Prediction

Magomed Ankalaev def. Alex Pereira via unanimous decision (49-46).
Ankalaev’s wrestling and patience are likely to stifle Pereira again. While Pereira will have moments early, Ankalaev’s positional dominance should prove too much across five rounds.

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Co-Main: Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs Cory Sandhagen – Bantamweight Championship

Context

Dvalishvili has been the “machine” of the bantamweight division, stringing together a long winning streak. Sandhagen has been on the cusp of championship glory for years, finally earning his shot. This fight pits relentless wrestling against creative striking.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Merab Dvalishvili:
  • Strengths: Record-breaking takedown attempts, unmatched cardio, constant pressure.
  • Weaknesses: Striking is functional but not elite, can be hit clean in exchanges.
• Cory Sandhagen:
  • Strengths: Unpredictable striking, long reach, creative shot selection (flying knees, spinning strikes), underrated grappling.
  • Weaknesses: Can be taken down and controlled, sometimes gives away rounds by being too low-volume.

Tactical Keys

• Dvalishvili: Stick to wrestling roots. Even if his striking has improved, standing too long with Sandhagen is risky.
• Sandhagen: Use lateral movement, punish failed takedown entries with knees and uppercuts, and keep the fight in space.

Prediction

Merab Dvalishvili def. Cory Sandhagen via unanimous decision (49-46)
If Sandhagen maintains his output and limits time on the mat, he can sway the judges with volume and clean strikes. However, Merab Dvalishvili has found a way to neutralise every other opponents best weapons. Expect a close, tactical battle where damage edges out control.

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Jiri Prochazka vs Khalil Rountree Jr. – Light Heavyweight Bout

Context

Both men are dangerous strikers. Prochazka is a former champion known for his chaotic style, while Rountree has reinvented himself into a devastating Muay Thai powerhouse.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Prochazka:
  • Strengths: Relentless pace, unpredictable strikes, knockout power.
  • Weaknesses: Defensive lapses, leaves openings during wild exchanges.
• Rountree:
  • Strengths: Technical Muay Thai, brutal body kicks, patience in striking.
  • Weaknesses: Struggles under sustained pressure, cardio fades in long wars.

Tactical Keys

• Prochazka: Force chaos. Keep the tempo high and lure Rountree into a firefight.
• Rountree: Stay composed, counter when Prochazka overextends, and attack the body early.

Prediction

Jiri Prochazka def. Khalil Rountree Jr. via TKO (Round 2).
Rountree has a path to victory with counters, but Prochazka’s relentless chaos is likely to break him in the mid-rounds.

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Josh Emmett vs Youssef Zalal – Featherweight Bout

Context

Emmett, the veteran knockout artist, faces Zalal, a younger fighter seeking to prove himself against elite opposition.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Emmett:
  • Strengths: Knockout power, toughness, ability to grind through adversity.
  • Weaknesses: Durability fading, limited stylistic versatility.
• Zalal:
  • Strengths: Youth, fast footwork, sharp combinations.
  • Weaknesses: Can be overpowered physically, less experienced in high-level fights.

Tactical Keys

• Emmett: Pressure early and test Zalal’s chin with power shots.
• Zalal: Stay mobile, counterpunch, and avoid getting drawn into a brawl.

Prediction

Josh Emmett def. Youssef Zalal via KO (Round 1).
Emmett’s experience and power should be enough to overwhelm Zalal before the younger man can settle.

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Joe Pyfer vs Abus Magomedov – Middleweight Bout

Context

A classic prospect vs veteran matchup. Pyfer is rising fast, while Magomedov is the savvy, seasoned fighter out to halt his momentum despite not really being able to hang with the best in the UFC.

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Pyfer:
  • Strengths: Explosive striking, athleticism, finishing instinct.
  • Weaknesses: Still untested in deeper waters, can be reckless.
• Magomedov:
  • Strengths: Technical striking, composure, durability.
  • Weaknesses: Inconsistent performances, slower pace compared to younger opponents.

Tactical Keys

• Pyfer: Start fast, overwhelm Magomedov with pressure and explosive combinations.
• Magomedov: Slow the pace, force Pyfer to fight in extended exchanges, and test his stamina.

Prediction

Joe Pyfer def. Abus Magomedov via TKO (Round 2).
Magomedov will test him, but Pyfer’s explosiveness and momentum should lead to another highlight finish.

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Summary of Predictions

• Magomed Ankalaev def. Alex Pereira – Decision (retains LHW title)
• Merab Dvalishvili def. Cory Sandhagen – Unanimous Decision (retains BW title)
• Jiri Prochazka def. Khalil Rountree Jr. – TKO, Round 2
• Josh Emmett def. Youssef Zalal – KO, Round 1
• Joe Pyfer def. Abus Magomedov – TKO, Round 2

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