UFC 313 Hit by Last-Minute Cancellations
The highly anticipated UFC 313 fight card, set to take place this weekend, has faced a series of setbacks, with the most recent being the cancellation of a featured preliminary bout just hours before the pay-per-view event. Promotional officials announced on Saturday that Curtis Blaydes, a top-ranked heavyweight, had fallen ill, leading to the cancellation of his fight against Rizvan Kuniev. This marks the second bout to be scratched due to illness, following John Castaneda’s withdrawal from his scheduled match with Chris Gutierrez. As a result, the card is now down to just 10 fights, with the flyweight bout between Joshua Van and Rei Tsuruya being elevated to the featured prelim spot.
Curtis Blaydes: Eyeing a Comeback
Curtis Blaydes, a formidable force in the heavyweight division, was looking to make a strong comeback at UFC 313. Blaydes, known for his powerful striking and solid wrestling, had suffered a quick stoppage loss to interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in his first title fight at UFC 304 in July. The loss was a significant setback, and Blaydes was eager to prove himself once again in the octagon. His scheduled bout with Rizvan Kuniev was seen as an opportunity to redeem himself and climb back up the rankings. However, Blaydes’ illness has forced him to withdraw, leaving fans and the UFC organization disappointed.
Rizvan Kuniev: A Rising Star
Rizvan Kuniev, a promising fighter from Russia, was set to make his UFC debut at UFC 313. Kuniev earned his contract through an impressive performance on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he showcased his striking skills and overall versatility. The cancellation of this bout is a significant setback for Kuniev, who was looking to make a strong first impression in the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization. Despite the disappointment, Kuniev remains a talent to watch, and the UFC is likely to find another opportunity for him to shine in the near future.
Adjusting the Card: Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya
With Curtis Blaydes’ bout being cancelled, the organization had to quickly adjust the fight card. The flyweight bout between Joshua Van and Rei Tsuruya has been moved up to the featured prelim spot. Van, a rising star in the flyweight division, will face off against Tsuruya, a seasoned veteran with a record of 18-6. Both fighters are known for their striking prowess and high-octane fights, making this matchup a must-see for fans of the sport. The promotion of this bout ensures that the preliminary card remains exciting and competitive, providing viewers with a strong lead-up to the main event.
Main Card Highlights
The main card of UFC 313 features five high-profile bouts, each with its own storyline and significance. The headlining bout pits Alex Pereira, the current middleweight champion, against Magomed Ankalaev, a rising star in the division. Pereira, known for his devastating striking, will look to defend his title against the hard-hitting Ankalaev, who is coming off a series of impressive wins. The co-main event features a showdown between lightweight contenders Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev, two fighters known for their explosive styles and thrilling fights. The main card also includes bouts between Jalin Turner and Ignacio Bahamondes, Amanda Lemos and Iasmin Lucindo, and King Green and Mauricio Ruffy, each bringing their own brand of excitement to the octagon.
Preliminary Card and Early Action
The preliminary card of UFC 313, now featuring 10 bouts, is packed with action and potential breakout performances. In addition to the featured prelim bout between Joshua Van and Rei Tsuruya, fans can look forward to a number of exciting matchups. Brunno Ferreira will face Armen Petrosyan in a bout that promises to be a striking showcase, while Alex Morono and Carlos Leal will square off in a welterweight bout. The early action on ESPN+/Disney+ includes a middleweight bout between Djorden Santos and Ozzy Diaz, both fighters looking to make a statement in their respective weight classes. Despite the last-minute changes, the card remains a mix of experienced veterans and up-and-coming talents, ensuring that fans will be entertained throughout the event.
