UPDATE: The stage is set for an explosive night in combat sports with both UFC 320 and the PFL Champions Series happening this Saturday, October 7, 2023. Fans can tune in at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN PPV as Magomed Ankalaev defends his UFC light heavyweight title against former champion Alex Pereira in Las Vegas.
This high-stakes matchup comes after Ankalaev captured the title at UFC 313 in March, defeating Pereira by unanimous decision. Since then, Ankalaev has not faced defeat, boasting a remarkable record that dates back to March 2018. Pereira, ranked No. 9 in ESPN’s pound-for-pound list, will be eager to reclaim his championship status after a five-fight winning streak was halted by Ankalaev.
In the co-main event, Cory Sandhagen will challenge Merab Dvalishvili for the men’s bantamweight championship. Dvalishvili, currently ranked No. 3 in ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings, looks for his third title defense after winning the belt at UFC 306 in September 2024. Sandhagen earned this opportunity by knocking out Deiveson Figueiredo in the second round last May.
“Pereira was not at his best in the first fight; I expect a better performance this time,” said ESPN analyst Anthony Smith.
The stakes are high as both fighters seek to prove themselves in the octagon. Analysts predict a thrilling encounter between Ankalaev and Pereira, especially with the former champion promising to showcase his full potential this time around.
Meanwhile, earlier on the same day, the PFL Champions Series will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, starting at 11:30 a.m. ET on ESPN Unlimited. The main event features a rematch for the lightweight title between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes, with Nurmagomedov having won their first bout by majority decision in January. This rematch is expected to be fiercely contested, especially given how close their first encounter was.
“Both fighters know what to expect from each other now; this should be another epic five-round fight,” said ESPN betting expert Ian Parker.
As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see whether the champions can retain their titles or if challengers will seize the opportunity to claim gold. Betting odds are currently in favor of Ankalaev at -260, while Dvalishvili is favored to win by decision at -210.
The excitement doesn’t stop there, as several other key bouts are scheduled on both fight cards. Keep an eye on potential upsets and standout performances that could change the landscape of both organizations.
As the clock ticks down to fight night, combat sports enthusiasts are advised to prepare for an unforgettable evening filled with high-octane action and the thrill of championship stakes. Don’t miss out on the latest developments and predictions as UFC 320 and the PFL Champions Series unfold.
Stay tuned for updates and analysis as these fighters step into the cage, ready to make history!