UFC 313 Results and Highlights: Ankalaev Dethrones Pereira in a Historic Night of Action
March 8, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in UFC history as UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev unfolded at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event delivered high-stakes drama, stunning finishes, and a controversial title change that left fans and fighters buzzing. In this comprehensive breakdown, we dive into the results, standout performances, and implications of a night that reshaped divisions and solidified legacies.
Main Event: Magomed Ankalaev Claims Light Heavyweight Gold in a Split-Decision Thriller
The highly anticipated clash between Alex Pereira (12-3) and Magomed Ankalaev (21-1-1) headlined UFC 313, with the light heavyweight title on the line. After five grueling rounds, Ankalaev emerged victorious via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47×2), ending Pereira’s five-fight win streak and reign as champion128.
Fight Breakdown:
Round 1: Pereira started strong with his signature leg kicks, landing five calf strikes in the opening minute. Ankalaev remained composed but struggled to counter Pereira’s precision.
Round 2: The Dagestani challenger shifted gears, pressuring Pereira and landing a crushing left hand that wobbled the champion late in the round.
Rounds 3–4: Ankalaev dominated with clinch control against the fence, sapping Pereira’s energy. Despite minimal damage, his positional control swayed the judges310.
Round 5: Pereira rallied with a head kick that stunned Ankalaev, but it wasn’t enough to sway the scorecards.
Post-Fight Reactions:
Ankalaev celebrated becoming the third Dagestani UFC champion, dedicating his win to relentless pressure and strategic grappling28.
Pereira expressed frustration, arguing that Ankalaev’s clinch-heavy approach lacked effectiveness: “He didn’t really do anything against the cage”2.
The decision drew mixed reactions, with some fighters and fans calling for an immediate rematch10.
Co-Main Event: Justin Gaethje Edges Fiziev in a Fight of the Year Contender
In a rematch of their 2023 barnburner, Justin Gaethje (26-5) outlasted Rafael Fiziev (12-4) via unanimous decision (29-28×3). The bout earned Fight of the Night honors, showcasing Gaethje’s resilience and Fiziev’s short-notice grit610.
Key Moments:
Round 1: Fiziev dominated early with body kicks and takedowns, exploiting Gaethje’s aggressive style6.
Round 2: Gaethje turned the tide with a seismic uppercut that dropped Fiziev, shifting momentum36.
Round 3: “The Highlight” sealed the deal with relentless striking, leaving Fiziev bloodied and battered8.
Post-Fight Implications:
Gaethje re-entered the lightweight title conversation after rebounding from his UFC 300 knockout loss to Max Holloway6.
Fiziev’s valiant effort on 12 days’ notice earned respect, though his three-fight skid raises questions about his future610.
Main Card Highlights: Knockouts, Submissions, and Rising Stars
1. Mauricio Ruffy’s Spinning Wheel Kick KO Stuns the World
Mauricio Ruffy (12-1) announced himself as a lightweight contender with a first-round KO over King Green. His spinning heel kick at 2:07 left Green unconscious, earning a Performance of the Night bonus and viral acclaim310.
2. Ignacio Bahamondes Submits Jalin Turner in Under 3 Minutes
Ignacio Bahamondes solidified his status as a submission savant, forcing Jalin Turner to tap to a triangle choke at 2:29 of Round 1. The finish marked his third straight UFC victory and another bonus310.
3. Amanda Lemos Outpoints Iasmin Lucindo in Strawweight Scrap
Amanda Lemos (15-4-1) edged Iasmin Lucindo via unanimous decision (29-28×3), leveraging her striking accuracy (76/137 significant strikes) to secure a tactical win14.
Prelim Standouts: Van’s Masterclass and Ferreira’s Armbar Artistry
Joshua Van Hands Rei Tsuruya First Career Loss
In a historic clash between fighters born in the 2000s, Joshua Van (13-2) dominated Rei Tsuruya (10-1) with superior striking and takedown defense, earning a 30-27 sweep on the scorecards411.
Brunno Ferreira Submits Armen Petrosyan
Brunno “The Hulk” Ferreira (13-2) showcased his grappling evolution, locking in a second-round armbar to finish Armen Petrosyan. The win highlighted his versatility beyond his knockout power411.
Carlos Leal’s TKO Triumph
Carlos Leal (22-6) dismantled Alex Morono with a first-round TKO, redeeming himself after a controversial debut loss in 2024411.
Bonus Awards and Post-Fight Fallout
Performance Bonuses:
Fight of the Night: Gaethje vs. Fiziev ($50,000 each)311.
Performance of the Night: Bahamondes and Ruffy ($50,000 each)310.
Controversies and Takeaways:
Pereira’s Leg Kicks Abandoned: Analysts criticized Pereira for straying from his early leg-kick success, which could have swayed the decision10.
Ankalaev’s Title Defense Outlook: Potential rematches with Pereira or a clash with Jiřà Procházka loom for the new champion810.
Ruffy’s Meteoric Rise: The Brazilian’s highlight-reel KO positions him for a ranked opponent next.
Looking Ahead: UFC 313’s Impact on Future Cards
UFC 313 set the stage for a thrilling 2025 schedule:
UFC 314: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes (Featherweight headliner)8.
UFC 315: Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena (Welterweight title fight)8.
For Pereira and Ankalaev, a rematch seems inevitable, while Gaethje eyes a lightweight title shot. Meanwhile, rising stars like Ruffy and Bahamondes are poised to redefine their divisions.
Conclusion: A Night of Legacy and Controversy
UFC 313 delivered unforgettable moments, from Ankalaev’s calculated title win to Ruffy’s viral knockout. While debates over judging persist, the event underscored the UFC’s depth of talent and the relentless pursuit of greatness. As fighters regroup and rivalries intensify, the echoes of UFC 313 will reverberate through the MMA world for months to come.
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