LAS VEGAS – Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev have exchanged many words over social media and interviews before UFC 313, but on Thursday, they came face-to-face for the first time in a formal setting.

After answering questions from reporters at the pre-fight press conference, light heavyweight champion Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) and top contender Ankalaev (20-1-1 MMA, 11-1-1 UFC) engaged in a staredown in advance of the anticipated clash.

Both men were focused as they locked eyes, further building the tension ahead of Saturday’s main event title bout at T-Mobile Arena (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+, ESPN+).

Pereira, 37, will attempt to make a fourth consecutive defense of his 205-pound belt, while Ankalaev, 32, looks to extend his 13-fight unbeaten streak by capturing gold for the first time.

Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev have an intense first faceoff after the #UFC313 press conference 👀 pic.twitter.com/T93oPr4y17

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 7, 2025

Check out the video above to see the first Pereira vs. Ankalaev faceoff from the UFC 313 pre-fight press conference.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.