During the broadcast for UFC 311 on Saturday night, the promotion officially announced the top two fights for the promotion's March return to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Topping the bill will be one of the biggest stars in the sport as Alex Pereira defends the light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev.

"Poatan" had an incredible 2024 which saw him defend the title with three consecutive knockout wins which have only increased his profile.

However, throughout the past year, Russia's Ankalaev was a consistent talking point regarding the 205-pound title picture with many believing that he will be the toughest test for Pereira in the weight class.

Whilst there is a no contest and draw result in there, the Dagestani fighter is unbeaten since his UFC debut back in 2018, meaning that he hasn't tasted defeat in 13 Octagon appearances.

In 2024, he produced back-to-back wins over Johnny Walker and Aleksandar Rakic to earn himself another shot at claiming UFC gold.

The big question heading into this one is whether Ankalaev will stick to his word and strike with Pereira or whether he looks to test the grappling of the Brazilian.

In the co-main event, two of the biggest fan favourites on the roster will meet for the first time over five rounds in a clash that has fight of the night, if not year, written all over it.

Justin Gaethje makes his return to the Octagon following nearly a full year out when he takes on Dan Hooker in a match-up that somehow hasn't already taken place.

New Zealand's Hooker has been on a bit of a resurgence as of late with a huge victory over Mateusz Gamrot in August giving him a three-fight win streak in the division.

For Gaethje, "The Highlight" had produced consecutive wins over Rafael Fiziev and Dustin Poirier before at UFC 300, he lost the BMF title to Max Holloway in the most iconic bout of 2024.

One of the most all-action contests on paper and one of the most highly anticipated title fights of the year are on deck for Las Vegas and March 8 can't come soon enough.