The UFC Octagon returns to Las Vegas this week, bringing two title fights in one of the biggest pay-per-views of 2025.
In a recent video series on his YouTube channel, current featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski, who is renowned for his analytical approach to fighting, previewed the matchups slated for the card.
The main event will be a rematch from March, pitting Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira against each other for the light heavyweight title.
Ankalaev, 33, is one of the most well-rounded fighters on the roster and outpointed legendary kickboxer Pereira on the feet back at UFC 313.
The co-main event will see Merab Dvalishvili defend the UFC bantamweight title against Cory Sandhagen.
Dvalishvili is on a thirteen-fight win streak dating back to 2018 and is beginning to run out of fresh challengers.
Enter Sandhagen, better known as 'The Sandman', a versatile striker who is lethal from every range.
He is 4-1 in his last five fights, taking out former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in May.
Read on for Volkanovski's preview and predictions.
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Alex Volkanovski's UFC 320 predictions
Merab Dvalishvili (c) vs. Cory Sandhagen for the UFC bantamweight title
Despite oddsmakers installing Sandhagen as a $4.20 underdog, the featherweight king believes the 33-year-old has all the tools to cause a major upset.
"I believe Merab's toughest matchup is Cory Sandhagen," said Volkanovski.
"He’s the most dangerous guy that Merab’s going to face."
For Volkanovski, 'The Sandman's' variety of offence is what sets him apart from Dvalishvili's past opponents.
"Sandhagen’s going to put a lot of danger in front of you," said Volkanovski.
"He’ll risk catching you coming in, knowing that you might take him down, but then he’s ready to defend.
Ultimately, despite presenting a unique challenge for the champion, Volkanovski believes that Sandhagen will be hard-pressed to find avenues for victory against 'The Machine'
"Can Merab take Cory Sandhagen down? Yes," said Volkanovski.
"I think Merab's by far the fittest guy in the UFC.
"Merab’s going to win."
Magomed Ankalaev (c) vs. Alex Pereira 2 for the UFC light heavyweight title
The first time Ankalaev and Pereira faced off, there was a sense that the Russian wanted to prove that his skills extended beyond the mat.
For large portions of that 25 minute encounter, Ankalaev stood at range, where many thought he was vulnerable to 'Poatan's' power, and got the better of the former Glory Kickboxing champion in his own game.
"I believe Ankalaev, now that he’s champion, doesn’t have anything to prove," said Volkanovski.
"Ankalaev will shoot more and be more aggressive with the wrestling."
A quirk of Pereira's UFC record is that both of his losses have come to opponents who are comfortable in the southpaw stance.
He was knocked out in April of 2023 by Israel Adesanya, a switch-hitter, and then lost by points to Ankalaev who does most of his work with his right hand in the lead.
"Pereira hasn’t had his best nights against southpaws," said Volkanovski.
However, Australia's featherweight world champion believes that this matchup will look different to the first time that these two fought because of their ability to learn on the fly.
"Pereira is so good. Can he make the adjustments? Yes, but Ankalaev showed that he can mix it up, change his looks, even change his stance," said Volkanovski.
"I’m going to have to go with Ankalaev on this one.
"He’s going to be more wrestling-heavy. Will he get the takedowns? No, but he’s safe enough on the feet to constantly get himself out of danger."