UFC 320 is going to become one of the best events of 2025, with two championship fights that will change the future of their divisions. Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev will fight again for the light heavyweight title in the main event. In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili will defend his bantamweight title against Cory Sandhagen. Both fights bring distinct stylistic clashes, high stakes, and compelling narratives that have fans debating outcomes well before fight night.
Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev 2: The Light Heavyweight Rematch
The rematch between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev is the main event at UFC 320. Ankalaev won the belt from Pereira in their first fight at UFC 313 via unanimous decision. Judges scored the fight 49–46, 48–47, and 48–47, reflecting a competitive but ultimately controlled performance by Ankalaev. Pereira, who later said he only fought at “40 percent” of his full ability because of lingering issues, sees this rematch as a chance to make things right. For Ankalaev, this is a chance to prove his doubters wrong who said that his success was more of a fluke than an absolute certainty.
The tension between the two has only been worse as the event gets closer. A heated confrontation at the UFC Performance Institute showed how much both camps despised each other, thereby getting people even more excited. This rematch is about more than just the belt; it’s also about legacy and credibility.
Pereira vs. Ankalaev: Strengths and Weaknesses
Here is how the two fighters compare going into the rematch:
| Category | Alex Pereira | Magomed Ankalaev |
|---|---|---|
| Fighting Style | Elite striker, former kickboxing champion | Pressure fighter, wrestling-heavy base |
| Strengths | KO power, precision striking, kicks | Grappling control, distance management, composure |
| Weaknesses | Cardio over five rounds, takedown defense under pressure | Less finishing instinct, sometimes conservative offense |
| Best Path to Win | Land fight-ending knockout | Pressure, clinch work, grinding pace |
| X-Factor | Full health and improved conditioning | Ability to neutralize Pereira’s striking again |
What to Expect
If Pereira can manage distance and unleash his striking arsenal, a knockout victory is always possible. However, Ankalaev’s relentless pressure, grappling skills, and ability to stifle opponents slightly favor him. Expect a tactical battle where cardio and adjustments play a decisive role.
Cory Sandhagen vs. Merab Dvalishvili: Bantamweight Championship Clash
The co-main event offers a stylistic contrast that fans love: Sandhagen’s fluid striking against Dvalishvili’s suffocating wrestling. Dvalishvili wants to keep his title after winning it in a fight with Sean O’Malley and successfully defending it afterwards as well. Sandhagen finally gets his long-awaited title opportunity after being around the top of the division for years.
Sandhagen vs. Dvalishvili: Strengths and Weaknesses
To better understand this matchup, here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Category | Cory Sandhagen | Merab Dvalishvili |
|---|---|---|
| Fighting Style | Creative, versatile striker | Relentless wrestler, cardio machine |
| Strengths | Footwork, striking variety, unpredictability | Takedowns, clinch pressure, endless pace |
| Weaknesses | Vulnerable to sustained grappling | Less striking power, striking defense gaps |
| Best Path to Win | Keep fight standing, outpoint with striking | Smother with wrestling, drain cardio |
| X-Factor | Ability to sprawl and maintain movement | Gas tank and relentless pressure |
What to Expect
Dvalishvili will have to work hard to get close to Sandhagen because of his creativity and range striking. If Sandhagen can avoid takedowns and stay away from the champion, he might be able to outstrike him. But the odds are in Dvalishvili’s favor because his wrestling and cardio make him very hard to beat throughout five rounds. A grinding decision win for the Georgian champion seems most likely, though Sandhagen remains a serious underdog.
Conclusion
Both of the title matches at UFC 320 are illustrations of MMA’s core theme: striker vs. grappler. Pereira vs. Ankalaev is a fight between knockout artists and people who know how to put on pressure. Sandhagen vs. Dvalishvili is a fight between outstanding striking and relentless wrestling.
Not only will these matches decide who the champions are, but they will also change the legacies of the fighters. Pereira wants to make up for his mistakes, Ankalaev wants to prove himself, Sandhagen wants the glory he’s been waiting for, and Dvalishvili wants to strengthen his reign. No matter what happens, UFC 320 will be a night of great drama, style clashes, and memorable moments that fans will remember for years to come.
Beyond The Main And Co-Main Event
The UFC 320 fight card has a lot of exciting fights across multiple divisions, in addition to the two big title fights. In a key light heavyweight fight, former champion Jiri Prochazka faces the rising Khalil Rountree Jr. In a middleweight fight, Joe Pyfer and Abusupiyan Magomedov fight to break into the top tier at 185 lbs. Josh Emmett, a veteran knockout artist, faces Youssef Zalal, a rising star, at featherweight.
Edmen Shahbazyan vs. André Muniz at middleweight is one of the interesting fights on the prelims. Macy Chiasson vs. Yana Santos at bantamweight and Veronica Hardy vs. Brogan Walker at flyweight are two women’s MMA fights that receive a lot of attention. Puna Soriano fights Nikolay Veretennikov in the welterweight class. The UFC 320 card has a lot of exciting fights, and it may have major implications across different divisions.
