UFC 317 Ceremonial Weigh-Ins: Pereira, Ankalaev Square Off One Last Time Before Battle
The tension was palpable at the UFC 317 ceremonial weigh-ins today as fighters made their final appearances before tomorrow’s highly anticipated event. With official weigh-ins already completed earlier in the day, this was all about the face-offs, the energy, and that last psychological warfare before gloves touch in the octagon.
I’ve covered hundreds of these events, but there’s something special brewing for this card. The electricity in the air was undeniable as fans packed in to catch a glimpse of their favorite fighters.
Main Event Intensity: Pereira and Ankalaev Bring the Heat
The highlight of the ceremonial weigh-ins came when light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and challenger Magomed Ankalaev took center stage. After both men successfully made weight earlier (Pereira at 204.5 pounds, Ankalaev at 204), their final face-off featured the kind of intensity that makes this sport so captivating.
Pereira, with his trademark stone-faced demeanor, stood tall as Ankalaev matched his intensity with unwavering focus. You could cut the tension with a knife as UFC CEO Dana White carefully positioned himself between them.
“I respect him as a fighter, but tomorrow I take what’s mine,” Ankalaev said through his translator. Pereira, ever the man of few words, simply nodded and said, “Saturday night, we see who the real champion is.”
Co-Main Event: Pantoja Looks Confident Against Royval
Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja (124.5 pounds) and challenger Brandon Royval (124) kept things relatively respectful during their face-off. This rematch has been brewing since their close battle in 2021, and both men looked supremely confident.
Royval was particularly animated during his walkout, clearly feeding off the energy of the crowd. “Tomorrow night, I’m rewriting history,” Royval proclaimed. “The belt’s coming home with me.”
Pantoja, smiling but focused, responded: “He’s a great fighter, but I’m on another level now. The belt stays with me.”
Preliminary Card Highlights: Bad Blood and Redemption Stories
While the main card fighters garnered the loudest reactions, several preliminary matchups featured notable moments:
- Jim Miller received a thunderous ovation as he prepares for his record-extending 43rd UFC appearance
- Jonathan Martinez and Aiemann Zahabi engaged in an unexpectedly heated exchange that required White to step in early
- Rising star Myktybek Orolbai had the crowd buzzing with his confident presence and prediction of a highlight-reel finish
What to Watch For at UFC 317
As we head into fight night, here are the key storylines I’m watching:
| Matchup | Key Storyline | What’s at Stake |
|---|---|---|
| Pereira vs. Ankalaev | Striker vs. Grappler Elite Showdown | Light Heavyweight Championship |
| Pantoja vs. Royval | High-Paced Rematch of Technical Wizards | Flyweight Championship |
| Curtis vs. Buckley | Explosive Middleweight Collision | Potential Title Eliminator |
Fan Questions Answered
Throughout the day, I’ve received tons of questions from fight fans. Here are answers to the most common ones:
Q: Did anyone miss weight for UFC 317?
No, all fighters successfully made weight during the official morning weigh-ins. The card remains intact with all originally scheduled bouts.
Q: How did Pereira look at the ceremonial weigh-ins? Any signs of a difficult cut?
Pereira looked phenomenal – no visible signs of a difficult weight cut. He appeared strong, focused, and ready to defend his title.
Q: Which undercard fight has the most potential to steal the show?
Keep your eyes on Jonathan Martinez vs. Aiemann Zahabi. The bad blood displayed at the face-offs suggests they’ll be gunning for a finish from the opening bell.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Event
After witnessing today’s ceremonial weigh-ins, I’m even more convinced that UFC 317 will deliver something special. The combination of championship matchups, heated rivalries, and emerging talent makes this a card no MMA fan should miss.
The fighters have done their part – making weight and bringing the intensity. Now it’s time for them to deliver in the octagon. Will Pereira continue his meteoric rise? Can Ankalaev realize his championship potential? We’ll find out tomorrow night.
Who are you picking in the main events? Drop your predictions in the comments below!
Source: Vox Media