UFC 313: A Night of High-Stakes Battles and Unforgettable Moments
What happens when the best fighters in the world step into the Octagon with everything on the line? UFC 313 answered that question with a night filled with championship drama, highlight-reel knockouts, and career-defining victories. Held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this event was more than just another UFC fight card—it was a battleground where legacies were tested, belts changed hands, and new contenders emerged.
The UFC 313 main event saw Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev in a high-stakes light heavyweight title fight, a bout that carried major implications for the division. Meanwhile, the co-main event featured Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev, a rematch that had fight fans on the edge of their seats. But it wasn’t just the headliners who stole the show—Mauricio Ruffy’s spinning wheel kick KO and Ignacio Bahamondes’ triangle choke submission had the MMA world buzzing.
Beyond the action, UFC 313 results brought surprises, with last-minute fight cancellations and event delays adding an extra layer of drama. How did it all unfold? Let’s break it down, fight by fight.
The Significance of UFC 313 in the MMA Landscape
Every UFC event carries weight, but UFC 313 fight results shook up the rankings and shaped the future of multiple divisions.
Here’s why this card mattered:
- Championship Shakeups: The light heavyweight division has been in flux, and with Pereira defending against Ankalaev, the belt’s future was on the line.
- Career-Defining Moments: Fighters like Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev battled for a top spot in the UFC rankings, making this event crucial for their title aspirations.
- Breakout Performances: Rising stars used the UFC 313 fight card to showcase their skills, delivering some of the best UFC 313 highlights of the year.
Main Event: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev – A Clash of Styles
Champion's Mindset 👏 #UFC313
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 9, 2025
Alex Pereira vows to come back stronger after his defeat! pic.twitter.com/cevLzYY0E0
Fighters' Backgrounds and Fight History
- Alex Pereira: A former middleweight champion with knockout power, Pereira had made a successful move to light heavyweight but faced his toughest challenge yet in Ankalaev.
- Magomed Ankalaev: A well-rounded fighter with elite wrestling and striking, Ankalaev had been a top contender in the UFC rankings and was on a mission to claim the belt.
Fight Breakdown: Striking vs. Grappling Battle
From the opening bell, it was clear that Pereira wanted to keep the fight standing while Ankalaev focused on takedowns and clinch control. The first round saw Pereira land heavy leg kicks, but as the fight progressed, Ankalaev’s pressure and grappling began to take over.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- Round 1: Pereira controlled the pace with his powerful striking and precise kicks.
- Round 2-3: Ankalaev secured multiple takedowns, keeping Pereira on the defensive.
- Round 4: A brutal ground-and-pound sequence from Ankalaev nearly forced a stoppage.
- Round 5: Pereira fought back, but Ankalaev’s control time sealed the unanimous decision victory.
What’s Next for Both Fighters?
With this win, Ankalaev cements himself as the new UFC light heavyweight champion, while Pereira must decide whether to pursue a rematch or move to another weight class.
The Champ 🏆 🇷🇺 #UFC313
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 9, 2025
Who is next for @AnkalaevM after his title win?! pic.twitter.com/MnLdpcjLIP
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Co-Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev II – A Rematch to Remember
Their first fight at UFC 286 was a barnburner, and the rematch at UFC 313 delivered another high-energy war.
Tactical Adjustments from the First Fight
- Gaethje’s Strategy: Unlike their first bout, Gaethje used smarter movement, counter-punching, and defensive awareness rather than simply brawling.
- Fiziev’s Approach: Known for his explosive striking and elite Muay Thai, Fiziev looked to overwhelm Gaethje with speed and volume.
Key Moments in the Fight
- Round 2: A vicious uppercut from Gaethje dropped Fiziev, shifting the momentum.
- Round 3: Gaethje’s leg kicks and well-timed counters proved too much for Fiziev.
- Final Verdict: Gaethje’s experience and octagon control earned him a unanimous decision win.
With this victory, Gaethje remains a top contender in the lightweight division, possibly setting up a future title shot against Islam Makhachev.
Knockout & Submission of the Night – Ruffy and Bahamondes Shine
Mauricio Ruffy’s Spinning Wheel Kick KO
- Ruffy delivered one of the most devastating knockouts in recent UFC history, landing a perfect spinning wheel kick that instantly floored King Green.
- Fans and analysts compared his finish to Edson Barboza’s legendary KO, making this a UFC 313 highlight that will be replayed for years..
Ignacio Bahamondes’ Triangle Choke Victory
- In the lightweight division, Bahamondes showcased elite grappling, submitting Jalin Turner in the first round.
- The triangle choke was executed flawlessly, proving Bahamondes is a threat on the ground as well as on the feet.
Last-Minute Changes & Event Delays
Curtis Blaydes Fight Cancellation Impact
- Heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes was forced to withdraw due to illness, shaking up the fight card.
- Fans were disappointed, but UFC officials adjusted quickly, ensuring the event still delivered action-packed fights.
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Reactions and Future Implications
Fighters’ Post-Fight Interviews
- Magomed Ankalaev: “This is just the beginning. I want to defend this belt and prove I’m the best.”
- Alex Pereira: “I made mistakes, but I’ll come back stronger. This isn’t over.”
- Justin Gaethje: “I want that lightweight title shot next. I’ve earned it.”
Final Thoughts – A Night to Remember
UFC 313 fight results delivered shocking upsets, legendary knockouts, and thrilling championship battles. The UFC 313 fight card reshaped divisions and set the stage for exciting future matchups.
With so many questions left unanswered, one thing is certain—after UFC 313, the MMA landscape will never be the same.