UFC 320 fight card: Ankalaev vs Pereira 2 preview, date & how to watch
The UFC 320 fight card lands at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, October 4, 2025, headlined by a light heavyweight title rematch: Magomed Ankalaev (c) vs Alex Pereira's. The co-main event features Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs Cory Sandhagen for the bantamweight belt—two championship fights on one night. Official listings confirm the date, venue and branding as UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2.
When and where to watch the UFC 320 fight card
Broadcast partners vary by region, but the UFC lists the event on its PPV platform, while ESPN’s fight center shows the U.S. schedule at 10:00 p.m. ET (main card), 8:00 p.m. ET (prelims), 6:00 p.m. ET (early prelims). UK guidance indicates a late-night start (main card at 3 a.m. BST on Oct 5). For Estonia (EEST), plan for early prelims ~1:00, prelims ~3:00, main card ~5:00 on Sunday, Oct 5. Always check local listings.
Why this rematch matters
Ankalaev dethroned Pereira by unanimous decision earlier this year and now seeks a first successful defense. Pereira, one of MMA’s elite strikers, gets a swift chance to reclaim gold—a classic styles clash where Ankalaev’s measured pressure and well-rounded game met Pereira’s power and timing. Wiki and arena listings align on the rematch headliner at UFC 320.
Judges and referee assignments (confirmed)
Nevada regulators assigned Herb Dean to the main event, with Sal D’Amato, Derek Cleary, and Chris Lee judging. For the co-main, Marc Goddard referees with Mike Bell, Ben Cartlidge, and Eric Colon judging. Knowing the officials adds context to close-round scenarios on the UFC 320 fight card.
Co-main storyline: Dvalishvili vs Sandhagen
Dvalishvili’s pace, chain wrestling and cardio face Sandhagen’s angles, footwork and slick shot selection. It’s a compelling test for Merab’s third defense and Cory’s first crack at UFC gold—strategically one of the night’s must-watch bouts. The title pairing is locked for the UFC 320 fight card.
Featured fights to watch
Beyond the title fights, ESPN’s lineup highlights these matchups on the UFC 320 fight card:
- Jiří Procházka vs Khalil Rountree Jr. — violence guaranteed. Procházka’s unpredictable offense meets Rountree’s thudding counters. Procházka is also expected to serve as a backup for Ankalaev–Pereira, raising intrigue.
- Josh Emmett vs Youssef Zalal — veteran power puncher vs surging technician at featherweight.
- Abus Magomedov vs Joe Pyfer — middleweights with finishing upside; distance may not be required.
Prelims & early prelims (selection):
- Edmen Shahbazyan vs André Muniz (middleweight) — prospects-turned-contenders seeking momentum.
- Chris Gutiérrez vs Farid Basharat (bantamweight) — leg-kick maestro vs unbeaten grappler-boxer.
- Macy Chiasson vs Yana Santos (women’s bantamweight), Patchy Mix vs Jakub Wikłacz (bantamweight), Veronica Hardy vs Brogan Walker (women’s flyweight).
Additional announced bouts tied to this date include Daniel Santos vs Yoo Joo-sang, Punahele Soriano vs Nikolay Veretennikov, and Ramiz Brahimaj vs Austin Vanderford as the card fills out. (Cards remain subject to bout-week changes.)
Venue & ticket notes
The show takes place at T-Mobile Arena (capacity up to ~20,000 for UFC), with the venue listing the two-title-fight billing and ticket links. VIP packages are available via UFC’s official experience partner.
Keys to the main event (tactics to track)
- Cage geography: Ankalaev excels when he sets a measured pace, picks safe entries and keeps the fight at his preferred range or against the fence. Pereira thrives when he draws counters and punishes exits.
- Leg kicks and checks: Pereira’s leg kicks can disrupt stance; Ankalaev’s defense and returns were pivotal the first time.
- Clinch & level changes: Even feinted takedowns can freeze Pereira long enough for Ankalaev to score. Conversely, Pereira’s uppercuts and knees intercept those entries.
- Championship rounds: Five-round tempo and cardio management are central—especially with the judges’ panel already assigned for this exact matchup.
Quick facts for fans
- Event name: UFC 320: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2
- Date: Sat, Oct 4, 2025 (Las Vegas)
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas (Paradise, NV)
- Main & co-main: Ankalaev–Pereira (LHW), Dvalishvili–Sandhagen (BW)
- U.S. times: Early Prelims 6p ET / Prelims 8p ET / Main Card 10p ET (check region)
- UK time: Main card 3a BST (Sun)
- Estonia (EEST): Main card ~5a (Sun) — plan your coffee ☕️.
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