LAS VEGAS – Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev have exchanged many words over social media and interviews before UFC 313, but on Thursday, they came face-to-face for the first time in a formal setting.
After answering questions from reporters at the pre-fight press conference, light heavyweight champion Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) and top contender Ankalaev (20-1-1 MMA, 11-1-1 UFC) engaged in a staredown in advance of the anticipated clash.
Both men were focused as they locked eyes, further building the tension ahead of Saturday’s main event title bout at T-Mobile Arena (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+, ESPN+).
