Lost in Translation: UFC 320 Main Event Preview and Main Card Picks
October 3rd, 2025, 6:16 PM ET
Written by Danny Varano
UFC 320 Main Card is Live on Saturday at 10:00 PM ET
All odds provided by ESPN Bet
(Main card picks listed at the bottom of the article)
Ladies and gentlemen, lads and ladies, grab your classy knits and put on your dancing shoes, because the party is back on in Sin City for UFC 320. After seven consecutive weeks without a numbered event and championship fight, the UFC returns this weekend with arguably the most appealing card of 2025.
In the headliner, a heated sequel commences on the same soil as its precursor. At UFC 313 in March, the Las Vegas crowd witnessed Magomed Ankalaev usurp the light heavyweight throne from Alex “Poatan” Pereira. This weekend, live from the desert, the two meet again.
Still tasting the bitter tang of his recent defeat, Poatan plots for vengeance. On the opposite side of the canvas, scheming to replicate his unanimous decision victory in their inaugural meeting, Ankalaev seeks to parry Pereira’s attempt at reclaiming his previous title.
Fortunately for fans, the light heavyweight showdown is simply the zenith of the metaphorical mount. A compelling co-main event will also offer up UFC gold as spoils. Current bantamweight champion Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili will defend his title for the third time this year against Cory Sandhagen.
The main card will also host a thrilling dance between Khalil Roundtree Jr. and Jiří Procházka, as the two skillfull light heavyweight contenders clash to potentially become the next title challenger. Fight picks are listed at the bottom of the article.
Recapping Pereira vs. Ankalaev 1
With all due respect to every combatant, Alex Pereira is undoubtedly the Frank Sinatra among Saturday night’s ratpack of entertainers. Last year, Poatan arrived at the summit of UFC superstardom. Racking up consecutive knockout victories in a trio of title defenses, Pereira appeared unbeatable in 2024. Yet, his kryptonite was lingering.
Prior to the opening chapter of the saga between Pereira and Ankalaev, the dominant narrative suggested that the Brazilian champ was dodging his Dagestani foe. Assuredly, Ankalaev presented an unfavorable matchup. His crafty boxing could neutralize Pereira’s masterful kickboxing. Additionally, as with any fighter bred in the mountains of Dagestan, Ankalaev would maintain a significant grappling advantage.
On the night of UFC 313, the results would indeed align with prevailing predictions. Although Poatan warded off all takedown attempts, Ankalaev controlled the chess match on the feet. His constant pressure, and determination to initiate clinches, prevented the former champion from settling into a comfortable flow.
In terms of consequential strikes, the bout underwhelmed. Yet, Ankalaev amassed the more compelling moments. Resultingly, the Dagestani warrior strutted out of the T-Mobile Arena with a gleamy belt strapped to his waist.
Previewing Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2
The lead storyline to emerge in the wake of the initial bout, and one which continues to persist ahead of the subsequent rematch, is Alex Pereira’s compromised condition at UFC 313. Many fans and pundits speculatively attributed his inferior performance to overactivity.
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Pereira addressed the publicized dialogue himself. First, he prefaced his statements by expressing a hesitancy to list any excuses. The Brazilian warrior then briefly mentioned that he was partially hindered leading up to the fight with Ankalaev due to injuries accumulated in preceding championship bouts.
Moreover, Pereira also spoke of the perils of his newly attained notoriety. Travel obligations and external distractions seem to have disrupted his preparations for the event in March.
Luckily for the superstar’s large fanbase, a refreshed and rejuvenated Poatan will be stepping onto the canvas this weekend. After taking seven months to recover, and limiting external obstructions, Pereira spoke glowingly of his current camp. During the ESPN interview, he was translated as saying, “I had a great training camp, stayed in the U.S…no more trips…I feel amazing.”
Yet, the redemptive arc of Pereira is not the only plot causing fans to salivate over this weekend’s headliner. Somehow, some way, the two most stoic competitors on the roster have struck up a petty feud.
Last week, Pereira and Ankalaev confronted each other at the UFC Performance Institute. Unable to understand each other’s native tongue, the ensuing quarrel was conducted through Google Translate.
The UFC audience has witnessed fighters engaged in all sorts of pre-fight antics over the years. However, the Google Translate argument seems to be a pioneering advancement in the arena of psychological warfare.
Whether the dispute was genuine, or simply an attempt to further promote the upcoming fight, is a question for extensive debate. Nevertheless, even the slightest animosity between the light heavyweights has generated a palpable buzz.
Technical Breakdown & Fight Predictions
Transitioning from verbal (or perhaps digital) altercations to physical, it is time to play fortune teller. Much like its preface, the sequel duel projects to be a striking match of the very highest level.
Ankalaev and Pereira are both very calculated and defensively responsible. Yet, the two are at their best when tactically stalking their opponents. The better man, and rightful champion, will likely be the one who can force the other to fight on the back foot.
For Ankalaev, the blueprint is simple: recreate the previous performance. In the UFC 313 main event, the Dagestani fighter brilliantly walked Pereira down. He utilized his jab as an entry into close range boxing, and proceeded to land his rifling straight-left-hand and swift right-hook.
Additionally, expect the Russian assailant to mix in grappling exchanges. Although Club Underground asserts that the majority of the battle will remain on the feet, the champ dominated in the clinch during their last meeting.
As for takedowns, like any true Dagestani wrestler, Ankalaev will certainly shoot. Even if Pereira realizes further success with his wrestling defense, the mere threat will open up other offensive onslaughts.
Opposingly, as it relates to Poatan, the path to redemption will be contingent upon a few key adjustments. The supremely skilled kickboxer is best suited to advance forward and actively hunt for a finish.
Maintaining his awkward stance and tricky movement, Poatan often takes short hops to close distance, then shocks opponents with thunderous strikes.
As always an essential weapon for the Brazilian brawler will be his stealthy low leg kicks. The sneaky technique is extremely effective in crippling the mobility of his foes. He also possesses a very robust jab. Typically employing the strike sparingly, a heavier dose of the lead punch could be in the gameplan.
It is also worth noting that Ankalaev has displayed a vulnerability to high kicks. Poatan may plan to wield some body strikes to drop his adversary’s guard, before swinging legs to the dome.
For the official headliner pick…Club Underground foresees redemption. The crystal ball exhibits a reenergized Pereira recouping his lost gold. As his iconic walkout would suggest, Poatan still has a few deadly arrows to fire off.
Underground Pick: Pereira wins by knockout.
Complete List of Main Card Picks:
Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Magomed Ankalaev (-260 favorite) vs Alex Pereira (+210 underdog) – Underground Pick: Pereira wins by TKO/KO
Bantamweight Title Fight: Merab Dvalishvili (-450) vs. Cory Sandhagen (+325) –Underground Pick: Dvalishvili wins by unanimous decision
Light Heavyweight Fight: Jiří Procházka (-200) vs. Khalil Roundtree Jr. (+170) –Underground Pick: Roundtree Jr. wins by unanimous decision
Featherweight Fight: Josh Emmett (+375) vs. Youssef Zalal (-550) – Underground Pick: Zalal wins by unanimous decision
Middleweight Fight: Abus Magomedov (+210) vs. Joe Pyfer (-260) – Underground Pick: Pyfer wins by TKO/KO
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