MMASucka Staff Picks UFC 320: Light Heavyweights Rumble In Exciting Rematch For The Strap

Setting the table for an extraordinary rematch between two light heavyweight titans, UFC 320 brings the action when former champion Alex Pereira attempts to win back his throne from divisional nemesis Magomed Ankalaev. In the co-main event, Merab Dvalishvili tries to defend his strap for the third time this year when he meets bantamweight dark horse Cory Sandhagen. 

UFC 320 Main Event

Following a disappointing defeat to Paul Craig back in 2018 in his UFC debut, Ankalaev has remained flawless in the cage, garnering a massive 13-fight unbeaten streak. Preparing to cement his place as the champion by toppling his first challenger, the Russian phenom is out to prove that his rise to the belt has not been a fluke.    

Recording a lackluster performance in his last scrap, Pereira lost out on his title in his first match of 2025, losing a clear decision to the dominant European. Now more hungry and focused than ever to take back what’s his, “Poatan” is readying his bow to take out the man many are calling his kryptonite.  

UFC 320 Co-Main Event

Prevailing in his last two excursions to the Octagon, Dvalishvili has seemingly laid claim to being called the greatest 135-lb competitor of all time, notching two championship defenses over Umar Nurmagomedov and Sean O’Malley. With a decisive victory against Sandhagen, “The Machine” could very well secure his position in that regard.  

Getting back in the win column this past May, Sandhagen amazingly stopped the durable Deiveson Figueiredo by popping the Brazilian’s knee after a heated Jiu-Jitsu exchange, netting himself a title shot. Vying for the undisputed championship for the first time, “The Sandman” is eager to get a hold of UFC gold after one of the more perilous journeys to the belt.   

More Bouts On the UFC 320 Main Card

Rounding out the main card, former 205-lb apex Jiří Procházka battles the intimidating Khalil Rountree Jr. Then, the hard-hitting Josh Emmett faces featherweight juggernaut Youssef Zalal. Finally, middleweight strikers Abusupiyan Magomedov and Joe Pyfer lock horns in what has all the makings of a fun and skilled kickboxing bout.

UFC 320 Predictions and Staff Picks

MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).

  • UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
  • PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
  • ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.

The individual who picks the most victorious fighters by the end of 2025 will have a choice between receiving a custom-made championship belt from ProAmBelts or a detailed chain from Championship Chains. Staff picks in 2023 were won by Ben Jamieson with a record of 300-148.

Find our UFC 320 picks and fight odds below. 

Staff records after ONE Fight Night 36: 

  1. Hank Strandberg: 163-93
  2. Drew Zuhosky: 125-131
  3. Frazer Krohn: 124-80
  4. Jeremy Brand: 123-88
  5. Andrew Benjamin: 32-90

*Note – not all staff pick for every event*

 


Joseph Pyfer -255

     Vs.

Abusupiyan Magomedov +218

    MIDDLEWEIGHT

 

Jeremy Brand: 
Hank Strandberg: Pyfer by Unanimous Decision 
Drew Zuhosky: Pyfer by Unanimous Decision 
Frazer Krohn: Pyfer by Second Round Knockout   

 

Staff picking Pyfer: 3

Staff picking Magomedov: 0


Youssef Zalaal -525

Vs.

Josh Emmett +410

                FEATHERWEIGHT

 

Jeremy Brand: 
Hank Strandberg: Zalaal by Unanimous Decision                                                 
Drew Zuhosky: Zalaal by Unanimous Decision      
Frazer Kron: Emmett by Unanimous Decision 
      

Staff picking Zalaal: 2

Staff picking Emmett: 1


Jiri Prochazka -200

Vs.

Khalil Rountree Jr. +170

   LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT 

 

Jeremy Brand: 
Hank Strandberg: Prochazka by Unanimous Decision                                                  Drew Zuhosky: Rountree Jr. by First Round Knockout  
Frazer Kron: Rountree Jr. by Second Round Knockout                                                    
 

Staff picking Prochazka: 2

Staff picking Rountree Jr.: 1


Merab Dvalishvili -220

     Vs.

Cory Sandhagen +185

    BANTAMWEIGHT

 

Jeremy Brand:  
Hank Strandberg: Dvalishvili by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Sandhagen by Unanimous Decision  
Frazer Krohn: Dvalishvili by Unanimous Decision 
  

Staff picking Dvalishvili: 2

Staff picking Sandhagen: 1

           


Magomed Ankalaev -255

     Vs.

Alex Pereira +215

         LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

 

Jeremy Brand:
Hank Strandberg: Ankalaev by Unanimous Decision 
Drew Zuhosky: Pereira by First Round Knockout   
Frazer Krohn: Ankalaev by Third Round Knockout   
  

Staff picking Ankalaev: 2

Staff picking Pereira: 1

Hank Strandberg
Hank Strandberg
Hank has been a professional writer since 2022. He has covered MMA extensively as well as major eSports tournaments. He is a Hamline University graduate with a Bachelors in Fine Arts in Creative Writing and as a member of Phi Betta Kappa.

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