UFC 313 took place in Las Vegas and featured a thrilling lineup of fights. The main event showcased a light heavyweight title clash, while the co-main event delivered an exciting lightweight battle.
Main Event: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev
The UFC 313 fight card was headlined by UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira defending his belt against Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira entered the fight with a five-fight win streak in the UFC, aiming for his fourth consecutive title defense. Ankalaev, with an impressive 11-0-1 record in his past 13 UFC fights, hadn’t tasted defeat since his UFC debut on March 17, 2018.
Pereira came out attacking low kicks as he often does, battering the lead leg of the challenger in the first as each man looked to find their range with punches. Ankalaev was much more confident and forward in the second, landing several sharp punches throughout the frame before wobbling “Poatan” along the fence just before the end of the round. As we hit the championship rounds, Ankalaev opted to close the distance and clinch with conviction for the first time in the bout, leaning on Pereira along the fence, and continuing to bring the fight to the champion after they were separated, with Pereira showing signs of fatigue.
The duo went the distance and when the scorecards were totalled, it was the challenger that emerged victorious, earning the nod on all three scorecards to dethrone the Brazilian finisher.
Co-Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev
The co-main event featured a highly anticipated lightweight contest between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev. This was a rematch, two years in the making, following their initial clash at UFC 286, which Gaethje won by majority decision.
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Gaethje, the former interim lightweight champion and former BMF Title holder, looked to make a case for his next title opportunity. Gaethje improved to 2-0 against Fiziev.
Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev 1 FULL FIGHT [UFC 286 – March 18, 2023] | ESPN MMA
Additional Fights and Events
- Amanda Lemos vs. Jalin Turner: A lightweight bout between Dana White’s Contender Series alums. Amanda Lemos, known for her knockdowns and KO wins, faced Jalin Turner.
- Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev: A heavyweight bout was initially scheduled but later canceled hours before the event.
- Chris Gutiérrez vs. Jean Matsumoto: A bantamweight bout was planned but Matsumoto was withdrawn to serve as a replacement fighter at UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs.
UFC 313 Fight Card
The UFC 313 fight card featured 12 fights in total. Here's a summary of the main matchups:
| Weight Class | Fighter 1 | Fighter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Light Heavyweight | Alex Pereira (C) | Magomed Ankalaev |
| Lightweight | Justin Gaethje | Rafael Fiziev |
| Lightweight | Amanda Lemos | Jalin Turner |
| Heavyweight | Curtis Blaydes | Rizvan Kuniev |
| Bantamweight | Chris Gutierrez | Djordjen Santos |
| Flyweight | Joshua Van | Brunno Ferreira |
Note: Some fights were changed or canceled leading up to the event.
Additional Information
- Commentary Team: Jon Anik called the action alongside Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan.
- Hall of Fame Induction: Former UFC Welterweight Champion Robbie Lawler was announced as the next "modern wing" UFC Hall of Fame inductee.
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