UFC 320 is set to deliver one of the most anticipated fight cards of 2025, with two title fights on the card.
The first main event of the fall is headlined by a rematch between Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title; the co-main event brings us a bantamweight title fight between champion Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen — his first opportunity at a belt.
UFC 320 gets started at 6 p.m. ET from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, October 4, with the main card scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on PPV.
Find our UFC 320 predictions for Magomedov vs. Pereira 2 including picks for every main card fight below, plus PrizePicks UFC picks for Saturday night. That includes Merab
💰 PLAY $5, GET $50 Instantly in Lineups for your UFC picks. Use PrizePicks Promo Code: PLAYBOOK
UFC 320 Preview: Ankalaev vs. Pereira
UFC 320 is destined to be one of the top PPV events of the year, headlined by the two best light heavyweight fighters on the planet in the light heavyweight title fight.
After their first closely-contested title fight, Ankalaev and Pereira will look to settle the score once and for all. Ankalaev is searching for his first title defense while Pereira wants to avenge his first defeat at 205 lbs and retain his light heavyweight title come this weekend at the T-Mobile Arena.
In the co-main event, we have the UFC bantamweight championship on the line when Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili looks to defend his title for a third time, taking on his toughest adversary to date, Cory Sandhagen.
Dvalishvili will look to become only the second bantamweight to defend the title three times; meanwhile, Sandhagen is looking to make the most of his long-awaited title shot and shock the world this weekend at UFC 320.
The UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Reyes 2 main card is set to start at 10 p.m. ET, with Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 expected to start around 12:30 a.m. ET, depending on when the other fights end.
We'll break down who’s fighting in UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2, including top picks and PrizePicks predictions for the main card.
PrizePicks is the easiest way to win real money on your UFC 320 predictions; just pick More or Less on fighter projections — like takedowns landed or total rounds — and win money if your picks are correct.
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira 2 Prediction & Preview
The light heavyweight division has been buzzing ever since the controversial conclusion of the first Ankalaev vs. Pereira encounter, where the MMA world was divided on who truly won.
Now, Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1) gets his chance to erase any doubt and prove his elite grappling and suffocating pressure can neutralize one of the sport's most feared strikers.
Ankalaev has built his reputation on being nearly impossible to finish, boasting an incredible defensive game that has frustrated every opponent he has faced.
His lone blemish came via submission to Paul Craig in his UFC debut, but since then, he's been a model of consistency (12-fight win streak), grinding out wins with tactical brilliance.
Standing across from him is Alex Pereira (12-3), the former two-division champion who has carried his legendary kickboxing power up to 205 pounds with devastating effect. Pereira's left hook is perhaps the most dangerous weapon in the UFC, having claimed multiple highlight-reel knockouts throughout his career.
The Brazilian striker has shown vulnerabilities when pressured and taken down — his takedown defense surprisingly held up in the first encounter. Still, Ankalaev will undoubtedly look to exploit Pereira's grappling early and often.
However, Pereira's ability to end fights in a split second means Ankalaev can never get comfortable, even when dominating positionally.
This rematch represents everything at stake in modern MMA — technique versus power, grappling pressure versus explosive knockouts. Whoever emerges victorious will have earned their place atop not only the light heavyweight throne but also the pound-for-pound rankings.
💰 PLAY $5, GET $50 Instantly in Lineups for your UFC picks. Use PrizePicks Promo Code: PLAYBOOK
Ankalaev vs. Pereira Prediction: 127.5 Significant Strikes (Combo)
- This fight is scheduled for five rounds.
- Ankalaev averages 3.66 significant strikes landed and 7.03 significant strikes thrown per minute.
- Pereira averages 5.00 significant strikes landed and 8.06 significant strikes thrown per minute.
- Ankalaev’s average fight time is 12:31; meanwhile, Pereira’s average fight time is 11:57.
- Ankalaev and Pereira combined for 170 significant strikes in their first fight.
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen Prediction & Preview
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili (20-4) looks to continue his dominant reign as he prepares for his third straight title defense against the highly skilled and creative contender, Cory Sandhagen (18-5).
This bantamweight matchup presents a fascinating clash of styles, pitting the division’s most relentless pressure fighter against one of its most cerebral and dynamic strikers.
Dvalishvili has built his championship run on an unbreakable will and a pace that has overwhelmed every opponent put in front of him. His suffocating chain wrestling and unparalleled cardio have become the gold standard at 135 pounds, making him look virtually unbeatable.
However, Cory "The Sandman" Sandhagen is a puzzle that is hard even for someone like Dvalishvili to solve — boasting some of the most innovative and unpredictable striking in the sport.
His fluid movement, sharp footwork, and ability to land shots from different angles make him a dangerous threat for the entire 25 minutes.
The question of this fight will be whether Sandhagen can use his distance management and diverse striking arsenal to keep the champion at bay. If he fails to stop Dvalishvili's relentless takedown entries, he could find himself smothered on the mat for long stretches.
This championship bout is the ultimate test of wills, where Sandhagen's technical brilliance will be measured against Dvalishvili's unstoppable pressure. The winner will not only walk away with the belt, but will also have solidified their claim as the undeniable king of the bantamweight division.
Dvalishvili vs. Sandhagen Prediction: 150.5 Significant Strikes (Combo)
- This fight is scheduled for five, five-minute rounds.
- Dvalishvili averages 4.31 significant strikes landed and 10.26 significant strikes thrown per minute.
- Sandhagen averages 5.06 significant strikes landed and 11.24 significant strikes thrown per minute.
- Dvalishvili’s average fight time is 16:36; meanwhile, Sandhagen’s average fight time is 14:02.
- In his last 5-round fight, Dvalishvili landed 111 significant strikes; meanwhile, “The Sandman” landed 71 significant strikes in his last five-round fight.
Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. Prediction & Preview
Former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka (31-5-1) steps back into the octagon looking to reestablish himself as the premier light heavyweight title threat against rising knockout artist Khalil Rountree Jr. (15-6)
This clash promises fireworks, as Prochazka's unorthodox striking style meets Rountree's devastating power in what could be a fight-ending moment away from chaos.
Prochazka brings a unique blend of unpredictability and finishing instincts that have made him one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport.
His recent third-round TKO victory over Jamahal Hill showcased a more measured approach to his trademark aggression, demonstrating improved defensive awareness without sacrificing his knockout power.
The Czech striker's ability to find finishes from seemingly impossible positions has become his calling card, with opponents often controlling early exchanges only to fall victim to his relentless pressure. His unorthodox angles and constant forward movement create opportunities that more traditional fighters simply cannot manufacture, making him a constant threat throughout the entire fight.
Standing across from him is Khalil Rountree Jr., who enters this contest riding momentum from his decision victory over Hill. Rountree's southpaw power and explosive athleticism have produced some of the most brutal knockouts in recent memory, with seven of his ten UFC wins coming via knockout.
The American striker has evolved significantly in recent years, showing improved cardio and technical striking that complement his devastating power in his hands.
His patient approach against Hill demonstrated a fighter who has learned to pick his spots rather than headhunt, making him even more dangerous when opportunities present themselves.
This matchup represents a fascinating study in contrasts — Prochazka's chaotic brilliance against Rountree's calculated destruction. Both men possess fight-ending power that can change the complexion of the bout in an instant, making this one of the most volatile striking battles on the card.
Prochazka vs. Rountree Prediction: 9 Minutes Fight Time
- Prochazka has 30 finishes (27 KO/TKO/3 SUB) in 31 wins.
- Prochazka has 16 first-round finishes in his MMA career.
- Khalil Rountree's has nine knockouts in his 14 victories.
- In 10 of Rountree's 20 fights, the fights have stayed below 9 minutes.
Josh Emmett vs. Youssef Zalal Prediction & Preview
Josh Emmett has been a mainstay in the UFC's featherweight division. Now 40 years old, the longtime veteran is what fans see as a gatekeeper to the featherweight rankings. He faces a tough adversary this weekend when he takes on rising contender Youssef Zalal, as both fighters look to climb the divisional ladder in a crucial matchup in the featherweight division (145 pounds).
This matchup represents a classic striker versus grappler dynamic, where Emmett's power punching will be tested against Zalal's movement and versatility. The winner positions themselves for bigger fights in an increasingly competitive featherweight landscape.
At 40 years old, Emmett (19-5) finds himself needing a statement victory after dropping three of his last four fights, including recent setbacks to elite opponents like Ilia Topuria and Lerone Murphy.
The Team Alpha Male product remains one of the most dangerous knockout artists in the division, with his devastating overhand right serving as his primary weapon throughout his UFC tenure.
However, Emmett has struggled against elusive strikers who can effectively control distance and avoid getting drawn into firefights, which plays directly into Zalal's strengths.
Standing across from him is the surging "Moroccan Devil" Youssef Zalal (17-5-1), who has transformed his career trajectory since returning to the UFC in 2024.
After being cut from the promotion in 2022 following a mediocre 3-3-1 run, Zalal went on a tear outside the organization and earned his way back with a vengeance to get back on a main card.
The 29-year-old has been unstoppable since his return, riding a six-fight winning streak that includes four consecutive UFC victories. His most recent triumph over Calvin Kattar showcased his improved boxing skills and ability to outpoint elite competition over three rounds, propelling him into the top ten rankings.
Zalal's diverse skill set presents multiple problems for Emmett, as he combines superior reach and footwork with dangerous submission skills that have produced three finishes in his current UFC run.
His defensive metrics are among the best in the division, absorbing just 1.8 significant strikes per minute while maintaining excellent distance management.
Emmett vs. Zalal Prediction: 86.5 Significant Strikes (Combo)
- Emmett’s average fight time is 13:44.
- Zalal’s average fight time is 12:26
- Emmett averages 3.75 significant strikes landed and 10.71 significant strikes thrown per minute.
- Zalal averages 3.07 significant strikes landed and 6.14 significant strikes thrown per minute.
- Emmett and Zalal have exceeded 85.5 combined significant strikes in 10 of their three-round fights in their UFC careers.
Joe Pyfer vs. Abus Magomedov Prediction & Preview
Rising middleweight contender Joe Pyfer (14-3) returns to the octagon looking to make a statement against the always-dangerous Abus Magomedov (28-6-1) in what promises to be an explosive main card opener.
Pyfer has been building momentum since his lone UFC loss to Jack Hermansson, bouncing back with impressive victories over Marc-Andre Barriault and Kelvin Gastelum.
The Philadelphia native has earned a reputation as one of the division's most explosive finishers, with devastating knockout power that has produced three first-round stoppages in his UFC tenure. His aggressive boxing style and ability to end fights in the blink of an eye have made him a fan favorite, though questions remain about his cardio and technical acumen in longer contests.
Standing across from him is Abus Magomedov, a veteran striker who has experienced both the highest highs and lowest lows during his UFC run.
The German-based Russian has shown flashes of brilliance, including dominant decision victories and highlight-reel finishes, but consistency has been his biggest challenge.
Magomedov's diverse skill set presents multiple threats, as he combines explosive kicking with solid wrestling fundamentals and dangerous submission skills. His front kick and outside low kicks have proven particularly effective at controlling distance and creating openings, while his grappling provides a backup plan if the striking exchanges go poorly.
The key storyline centers around Magomedov's questionable cardio against Pyfer's relentless pressure and knockout power. Magomedov has shown a tendency to fade in later rounds, which could play directly into Pyfer's hands as he looks to impose his will early and often.
Both fighters possess legitimate finishing ability, making this a volatile matchup where one mistake could end the night.
Pyfer's path to victory involves pressuring Magomedov against the cage and landing his signature combinations, while Magomedov must use his kicks to maintain distance and potentially take the fight to the ground.
Pyfer vs. Magomedov Prediction: 8.75 Fight Time (Mins)
- Pyfer's average fight time is 8:20.
- Magomedov’s average fight time is 11:19.
- Pyfer has seven first-round finishes in his 17-fight MMA career.
- Magomedov has 13 first-round finishes in his 35-fight MMA career.
UFC 320 Projections & Start Times: Ankalaev vs. Pereira
Here’s the UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 main card schedule of fights, in reverse order.
UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 projections below are via the PrizePicks MMA board, where you can pick More or Less on fights to win real money.
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira 2 – Main Event
- Light Heavyweight Title Fight
- Expected start time: 12:00 a.m. ET
- Ankalaev Projections: 67.5 Significant Strikes, 1.5 Takedowns (Demon)
- Pereira Projection: 61.5 Significant Strikes
- Significant Strikes (Combo): 127.5
- Fight Time Projection: 21.25 Minutes
- Rounds Projection: 3.5 Total Rounds (Goblin)
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cory Sandhagen – Co-Main Event
- Bantamweight Title Fight
- Expected start time: 11:30 p.m. ET
- Dvalishvili Projections: 86.5 Significant Strikes, 6 Takedowns
- Sandhagen Projections: 63.5 Significant Strikes, 0.5 Takedowns (Demon)
- Significant Strikes (Combo): 150.5
- Fight Time Projection: 24.99 Minutes (Goblin)
- Rounds Projection: 4.5 Total Rounds (Goblin)
Jiri Prochazka vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
- Light Heavyweight
- Expected start time: 11 p.m. ET
- Prochazka Projection: 413.5 Significant Strikes, 0.5 Takedowns (Demon)
- Rountree Projection: 41.5 Significant Strikes
- Significant Strikes (Combo): 83.5
- Fight Time Projection: 9 Minutes
Josh Emmett vs. Youssef Zalal
- Featherweight
- Expected start time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- Emmett Projection: 38.5 Significant Strikes
- Zalal Projection: 48.5 Significant Strikes, 0.5 Takedowns (Goblin)
- Significant Strikes (Combo): 85.5
- Rounds Projection: 2.5 (Goblin)
Joe Pyfer vs. Abus Magomedov
- Middleweight
- Expected start time: 10 p.m. ET
- Pyfer Projections: 34.5 Significant Strikes
- Magomdeov Projection: 29.5 Significant Strikes
- Significant Strikes (Combo): 64.5
- Rounds Projection: 1.5 (Goblin)
- Fight Time Projection: 9.25 Minutes
Make UFC 320 Predictions, Win Money on PrizePicks
UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 is set to deliver an explosive Saturday night, featuring two championship fights and title contenders determined to make their mark on one of the year's biggest PPV events. The entire main card will be electric from start to finish.
The main card gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV, broadcasting live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Before you watch UFC 320, you’re going to want to get those UFC picks locked in on PrizePicks – it’s the simplest way to win real money on UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2.
Head over to the PrizePicks app and pick More or Less on two or more fighter projections in UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2, and lock in your lineup to win real money on the fights.
