UFC 313 Stacked Card Set to Electrify Arizona: Pereira vs. Du Plessis Headlines

The MMA world is buzzing with excitement as UFC 313 takes shape, promising to deliver one of the most anticipated cards of the year in Arizona. Dana White recently announced that middleweight champion Alex Pereira will defend his title against the undefeated Dricus Du Plessis in what’s shaping up to be an explosive main event.

I’ve been covering UFC events for over a decade, and I can tell you this card is already generating more hype than anything we’ve seen in 2024. With the event scheduled for October at Phoenix’s Footprint Center, Arizona MMA fans are in for a treat that could reshape multiple divisions.

Pereira vs. Du Plessis: A Clash of Devastating Strikers

Let’s talk about this main event for a minute. Alex “Poatan” Pereira has been on an absolute tear since moving to middleweight. The former two-division champion brings perhaps the most lethal left hook in MMA today, having already claimed multiple highlight-reel knockouts that have fans jumping out of their seats.

Du Plessis, meanwhile, remains undefeated in the UFC and proved his championship mettle by dismantling Sean Strickland to claim the belt. His combination of pressure fighting and surprising technical precision makes this a fascinating stylistic matchup.

“This fight has everything you want in a championship bout,” UFC CEO Dana White told reporters. “Two guys at the absolute peak of their powers, both with knockout ability, both with something to prove.”

Stacked Undercard Features Arizona’s Own Rising Stars

While the main event deserves every bit of attention it’s getting, the UFC is building a supporting card that could stand on its own. Sources close to the promotion indicate that several Arizona-based fighters will feature prominently, giving local fans hometown heroes to cheer for.

Henry Cejudo, the Olympic gold medalist and former two-division UFC champion who trains out of Arizona, is rumored to be considering a return for this card. Though not officially announced, his addition would add significant local star power.

Arizona’s Growing Importance in the MMA Landscape

This isn’t the first time the UFC has brought a major card to Arizona, but UFC 313 represents the promotion’s growing commitment to the state as a key market. The Footprint Center has proven to be an electric venue for combat sports, with previous events generating incredible atmosphere and ticket sales.

Local MMA gyms are already reporting increased enrollment as the event approaches, with the “Pereira effect” driving newcomers to try their hand at striking. Several gyms are planning special viewing parties for members who can’t score tickets to the sold-out event.

“When the UFC comes to town, especially with a card this big, it creates a ripple effect throughout the entire MMA community here,” said Jason Martinez, head coach at Phoenix MMA Academy. “We’re seeing a surge of interest that’ll continue long after the event.”

Betting Odds and Predictions

Early betting lines have Pereira as a slight -150 favorite over Du Plessis (+130), reflecting the champion’s recent dominance but respecting Du Plessis’ perfect UFC record. The betting public seems to be leaning toward Pereira’s knockout power, but smart money recognizes Du Plessis’ ability to weather storms and find ways to win.

I’m expecting this fight to be much closer than the odds suggest. Du Plessis has shown an incredible chin and remarkable adaptability, while Pereira has demonstrated he’s more than just a striker with his improved grappling defense.

My prediction? Pereira by 4th round TKO in what will be a back-and-forth war that tests both men’s resolve. But as we’ve seen countless times in this sport, predictions mean nothing once the cage door closes.

How to Get Tickets for UFC 313 in Arizona

If you’re planning to attend in person, act fast. Pre-sale tickets are already moving quickly through UFC Fight Club members, with general public sales opening next week. Based on previous PPV events at the Footprint Center, expect a sellout within hours of tickets becoming available.

For those who can’t make it to Phoenix, the usual PPV options will be available through ESPN+, with prelims airing on ESPN proper. Several Arizona sports bars have already announced viewing parties, with some requiring advance reservations due to anticipated demand.

The Bottom Line: Arizona Gets a Historic UFC Card

UFC 313 is shaping up to be not just the biggest MMA event in Arizona this year, but potentially one of the most significant cards of 2024. With championship implications across multiple divisions and the explosive potential of a Pereira main event, October can’t come soon enough for fight fans.

Will Pereira continue his remarkable run? Can Du Plessis shock the world? And which Arizona fighters will seize their moment on home soil? The answers will come soon enough, but one thing’s certain: the Grand Canyon State is about to host a night of fights that won’t soon be forgotten.

What’s your prediction for the main event? Drop a comment below with your thoughts on how Pereira vs. Du Plessis plays out!