As far as must-see attractions in mixed martial arts are concerned, reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira ranks at or near the top of the list.
The Brazilian boogeyman will defend his undisputed 205-pound crown in a long-awaited showdown with Magomed Ankalaev when they headline UFC 313 on March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Pereira, 37, has blossomed into a fully formed superstar, from his terrifying entrances to his devastating knockout power. He enters his latest assignment on the strength of five consecutive victories, four of them finishes.