UFC 313
Review
Ankalaev pushes the king from the throne
Pereira dethroned after 483 days!
Ankalaev shows a good performance, Pereira without effective means
Magomed Ankalaev is the new UFC Light Heavyweight Champion! The Russian defeated Alex Pereira in a tactically astute fight, securing the title with a decision victory (48-47, 48-47, 49-46). While many expected Ankalaev to utilize his wrestling, he instead proved that he can also force Pereira out of his comfort zone while standing.
Although Pereira criticized Ankalaev's style after the fight, saying he only worked on the cage wall, the statistics paint a different picture: Ankalaev dominated with consistent pressure, but never won by wrestling—in fact, he failed all 12 takedown attempts. Instead, he pressured Pereira with precise striking, forcing him to play defensively.
This fight went differently than many expected. Ankalaev proved he's more than just a grappler—he defeated one of the sport's most dangerous strikers in a stand-up. Despite all the debate about the fight strategy, one thing is clear: Ankalaev deserved this victory.
There's also a good chance we'll see a rematch between these two fighters. Alex Pereira, who has seemed invincible so far, can take well-deserved revenge.
The Highlight is Back!
Justin Gaethje delivers again
Justin Gaethje remains a major attraction in the UFC. At UFC 313, he defeated Rafael Fiziev again—this time by unanimous decision—and thus secured his 14th (!) bonus award in as many UFC fights.
The fight played out similarly to their first encounter: Fiziev started strong, but Gaethje battled back and dominated the later rounds. After his brutal knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, many wondered if Gaethje could still compete at the top level—and he delivered a resounding answer: Yes!
Gaethje remains true to himself. He could rely on his strong wrestling skills, but instead he prefers to go to war with fists and swings. While he's improved tactically, he remains the ferocious brawler that fans love.
At some point, Gaethje will also have to pay tribute to time—but until then, we should enjoy every one of his fights. A fighter like him won't be back anytime soon.
The rest of the main card featured victories by Ignacio Bahamondes over Jalin Turner (submission, round 1) and Amanda Lemos over Iasmin Lucindo (decision), as well as a KO of the Year Contender by Mauricio Ruffy. Two minutes into the first round, Ruffy launched a spinning heel kick against Bobby Green, landing the "King" squarely on the temple.
Fight bonuses of $50,000 went to the victors Mauricio Ruffy and Ignacio Bahamondes (Performances of the Night) and to Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev for Fight of the Night.
What happens next?
Alex Pereira, unless he moves up to heavyweight of his own accord, will certainly get a rematch against Magomed Ankalaev.
For Justin Gaethje, the fight at UFC 313 could be the start of one last attempt at a lightweight title shot. Possible next opponents include top lightweight contenders such as Dan Hooker, Arman Tsarukyan, or Charles Oliveira.
We are excited!