This weekend, a highly anticipated light heavyweight title rematch will headline the upcoming UFC pay-per-view event.
In March, Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira by decision over five rounds, securing the light heavyweight championship belt (205 lbs).
Seven months later, ‘Poatan’ gets another shot to reclaim the title he lost in the main event of UFC 313.
Will UFC 320 see a repeat performance or a sought-after revenge? Let`s explore what sports analysts predict for the second bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.
Predictions for Magomed Ankalaev vs Alex Pereira 2
Jordan: “While Magomed Ankalaev secured a rather convincing win at UFC 313, I wasn`t overly impressed by his performance. In my opinion, it was more about what Alex Pereira failed to do than what the Russian actually accomplished. If `Poatan` truly unleashes his strikes, I believe Ankalaev will succumb to his power and lose the light heavyweight title in his first defense.”
Prediction: ALEX PEREIRA BY KO
Donagh: “For many fans, Alex Pereira carries the future of MMA on his shoulders this weekend. He`s one of the era`s biggest stars and is seen as one of the last great hopes against the `Dagestani style` that some believe is detrimental to the sport. Can he handle that weight? I`ll admit, biasedly, that I really want him to, but I don`t think it will happen.”
Prediction: MAGOMED ANKALAEV BY DECISION
Kyle: “I do think Alex Pereira`s more relaxed schedule will help him in this fight, but I`m not sure if it will be enough. I struggle to see how we don`t get another very similar fight, perhaps with a more active `Poatan,` but I doubt that will make a significant difference.”
Prediction: MAGOMED ANKALAEV BY DECISION
Jamie: “Alex Pereira has transformed from the sport`s biggest star to just another contender. Although the time off may have benefited him, he`s not getting any younger, and I think Ankalaev will once again deliver a similar performance that earned him the title.”
Prediction: MAGOMED ANKALAEV BY DECISION
Harvey: “As much as I`d like to predict a finish on either side or something more exciting, I foresee this one playing out just like Ankalaev`s earlier win over Pereira this year. The Brazilian always has the chance to land a `kill shot,` and having shown strong takedown defense at UFC 313, perhaps he`ll be more offensive on his feet in the early rounds of the rematch. But I simply don`t think he`s had enough time to overcome Ankalaev`s key advantage: a more well-rounded MMA skillset. That`s something I`ll almost always bet on over someone whose sole path to victory is a knockout punch.”
Prediction: MAGOMED ANKALAEV BY DECISION
Chris: “Magomed Ankalaev was closer to finishing Alex Pereira last time out, and it wasn`t on the ground but in the striking department, which I found very surprising. Pereira`s takedown defense also impressed me, and I believe he has new confidence in himself and his abilities after defending all of Ankalaev`s takedown attempts, which was a big question in the first fight. After sharing the cage with Ankalaev for five rounds and having more time to prepare for the southpaw, I think Pereira will make the right adjustments and close the distance against Ankalaev, out-striking him this time around.”
Prediction: ALEX PEREIRA BY KO
Ross: “Time off for Pereira might prove a `blessing in disguise` for the Brazilian ahead of UFC 320; however, an active schedule has also served him well in the past. That said, I`m unsure if he even has the tools on a good night to deal with Ankalaev`s aggression and ability once he closes the distance, which he managed easily earlier this year. Ankalaev to take home another decision win.”
Prediction: MAGOMED ANKALAEV BY DECISION
Jack Thornley 
Neville Whittle