Welcome to UFC 313 in Las Vegas
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the city of lights, Las Vegas, for UFC 313 on March 8. The event, which will be broadcast live on ESPN+ in the United States, features a star-studded lineup that promises to deliver electrifying action inside the octagon. The main event pits the current UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, against the formidable top contender, Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira, a two-division champion known for his thunderous knockout power, has left a trail of defeated opponents in his wake. His Brazilian background and street-fighting roots add an extra layer of intrigue to his bouts. On the other hand, Ankalaev, the number one ranked light heavyweight, brings a potent mix of striking and grappling skills to the table. This clash of titans is sure to be a spectacle that fans won’t soon forget. The fight could remain on the feet, where Pereira’s striking prowess is unparalleled, or it could transition to the floor, where Ankalaev’s wrestling might prove advantageous. Who will emerge victorious and retain the gold by the end of the night?
The Gaethje-Fiziev Rematch
In the co-main event, the highly anticipated rematch between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev is set to就越界了，让我重新组织一下文字，确保信息准确且流畅。
The Gaethje-Fiziev Rematch
In a co-main event that’s bound to thrill the crowd, Justin Gaethje faces off against Rafael Fiziev. Originally slated to fight Dan Hooker, Gaethje’s opponent changed due to Hooker’s injury. Gaethje, a former interim UFC lightweight champion, is known for his explosive fighting style and has a record of 25-5. His last fight, where he was knocked out by Max Holloway at UFC 300, has added a layer of determination to his return. Fiziev, on the other hand, has experienced a recent downturn, losing his last two fights. This rematch from 2023, where Gaethje won via majority decision with 103 significant strikes, will be a short-notice affair. Can Fiziev turn the tables and secure his revenge, or will Gaethje’s experience and power prove too much for the Kazakh fighter?
Rising Stars and Fan Favorites
The card also features a roster of up-and-coming fighters and established fan favorites. Jalin Turner, a rising lightweight with impressive striking skills, takes on Ignacio Bahamondes. King Green, known for his dynamic and unpredictable style, faces Mauricio Ruffy in a lightweight bout that could steal the show. Curtis Blaydes, one of the most dominant heavyweights in the sport, was initially scheduled to face Rizvan Kuniev but had to withdraw due to illness. Despite the setback, Blaydes’ absence is felt, leaving a void in the heavyweight category. Other notable bouts include Joshua Van and Rei Tsuruya in the flyweight division, and Amanda Lemos and Iasmin Lucindo in the strawweight category. Each fight promises to bring its own brand of excitement and drama to the T-Mobile Arena.
Prelims and Early Prelims: Setting the Stage
The prelims and early prelims of UFC 313 kicked off with a bang, setting the tone for a night of intense action. In the early prelims, Osman Diaz faced Djorden Ribeiro dos Santos, delivering a unanimous decision win with scores of 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28. The fight was a preview of Dana White’s new boxing league, with Diaz showing off his exceptional striking skills. The prelims continued with Carlos Leal and Alex Morono. Leal, aptly nicknamed "The Hulk," landed devastating body shots and ultimately secured a TKO at 4:16 into the first round. Next, Mairon Santos and Francis Marshall went head-to-head in a competitive bout, with Santos taking the split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28). Despite some close moments, Santos managed to come out on top. Brunno Ferreira, known for his resiliency and submission skills, faced Armen Petrosyan and secured a dramatic armbar victory in the second round after surviving multiple shots below the belt.
Main Card Highlights
The main card delivered several standout performances, beginning with Joshua Van and Rei Tsuruya in the flyweight division. Van started strong, showing sharp striking in the first round, while Tsuruya rallied in the second. Despite a bout of penalties for low blows, Van maintained his composure and outpointed Tsuruya with impressive output. The lightweight bout between Jalin Turner and Ignacio Bahamondes was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters showcasing their striking skills. Turner’s precision and speed ultimately gave him the edge, securing a unanimous decision. Amanda Lemos and Iasmin Lucindo squared off in a strawweight bout that was as intense as it was technical. Lemos’ superior grappling and ground game proved decisive, leading to a unanimous decision in her favor. King Green and Mauricio Ruffy locked horns in a lightweight matchup that lived up to the hype. Green’s unorthodox style and relentless aggression overwhelmed Ruffy, resulting in a TKO in the first round. Each fight on the main card added to the excitement, showcasing the depth and talent of the UFC.
The Main Event: Pereira vs. Ankalaev
The main event of UFC 313 was a highly anticipated light heavyweight title bout between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira, the reigning champion, brought his world-class striking to the octagon, a skill set honed through years of kickboxing. Ankalaev, the top-ranked contender, aimed to use his wrestling and ground control to neutralize Pereira’s striking prowess. The fight was a masterclass in combat sports, with both fighters displaying their best attributes. Pereira’s powerful strikes kept Ankalaev on his toes, while Ankalaev’s grappling skills tested Pereira’s durability. The bout remained primarily on the feet, with Pereira landing several significant strikes. In the end, Pereira’s knockout power and well-rounded skill set proved too much for Ankalaev, securing a hard-fought victory and retaining his title. The crowd erupted in applause, recognizing the incredible display of athleticism and tenacity.
Where to Watch UFC 313
For those eager to catch all the action from UFC 313, there are several ways to watch the event. The early prelims and prelims, starting at 6:30 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. ET respectively, will be available on Disney+ in the United States. In Australia, fans can catch the prelims on UFC Fight Pass and Kayo. Across the pond in the United Kingdom, the prelims, starting at 1 a.m. GMT, can be streamed on UFC Fight Pass. The main card, which kicks off at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT, 3 a.m. GMT, and 2 p.m. AEDT), is available via pay-per-view on ESPN+. The PPV price for current ESPN+ subscribers is $79.99, and a special offer allows you to get 12 months of ESPN+ for the price of 9 with the purchase of an annual plan. In Australia, the main card is available on Foxtel’s Main Event or through the streaming platform Kayo without a subscription, priced at $59.95. In the U.K., fans can watch the main card on TNT Sports, with a monthly cost of £3.99 or an annual plan of £39.99 through discovery+.
Night of Champions and Challengers
UFC 313 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas was a night where champions defended their titles and challengers sought to make their mark. The event, which started late due to the withdrawal of two key fights—Chris Gutierrez vs. John Castaneda and Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev—nevertheless delivered a memorable evening of combat sports. From the early prelims to the main event, each bout showcased the fighters’ dedication, skill, and resilience. Whether it was the strategic brilliance of Alex Pereira, the relentless aggression of Justin Gaethje, or the dramatic submission by Brunno Ferreira, UFC 313 had it all. The evening was a testament to the evolving landscape of mixed martial arts, where new stars are constantly rising and the best continue to prove their mettle. As the dust settles, fans will be left with stories of heroic efforts and unforgettable moments that will be discussed for years to come.
