UFC 313 was a night of high-stakes action, with last-minute card changes adding to the excitement. Despite the adjustments, the event delivered an electrifying spectacle that had fans on the edge of their seats. From jaw-dropping knockouts to hard-fought decisions, the fighters put on a show to remember.
The main card opened in stunning fashion as Mauricio Ruffy set the bar high for Knockout of the Year with a spinning wheel kick finish. Following that, Amanda Lemos secured a crucial victory over fellow Brazilian Iasmin Lucindo. In the lightweight division, Ignacio Bahamondes extended his winning streak with a submission victory over Jalin Turner. Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev put on another war, with Gaethje once again emerging victorious.
In the main event, Magomed Ankalaev executed a tactical and disciplined performance to dethrone Alex Pereira and claim the UFC light heavyweight championship.
Here’s a detailed look at how the fights unfolded:
UFC 313: Pereira vs Ankalaev – Official Results
Main Event:
- Magomed Ankalaev defeats Alex Pereira via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) – New UFC Light Heavyweight Champion
Co-Main Event:
- Justin Gaethje defeats Rafael Fiziev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Main Card Fights:
- Ignacio Bahamondes defeats Jalin Turner via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 2:29
- Amanda Lemos defeats Iasmin Lucindo via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Mauricio Ruffy defeats King Green via KO (spinning wheel kick) – Round 1, 2:07
Preliminary Card Highlights:
- Joshua Van defeats Rei Tsuruya via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Brunno Ferreira defeats Armen Petrosyan via submission (armbar) – Round 2, 4:27
- Carlos Leal defeats Alex Morono via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:16
- Mairon Santos defeats Francis Marshall via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
- Ozzy Diaz defeats Djorden Santos via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Main Event Recap: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira
Magomed Ankalaev put on a masterclass performance to secure the UFC light heavyweight championship, outpointing Alex Pereira in a closely contested five-round battle.
Pereira started strong, attacking Ankalaev’s lead leg with powerful low kicks. However, Ankalaev gained confidence in the second round, landing sharp punches and rocking Pereira towards the end of the frame. The third round was a tight contest, with both fighters finding success in striking exchanges.
As the fight progressed into the championship rounds, Ankalaev switched gears, clinching and controlling Pereira against the fence, wearing him down. Pereira had a late resurgence in the fifth round, landing a high kick that wobbled Ankalaev, but it wasn’t enough to sway the judges. With a unanimous decision win, Ankalaev extended his unbeaten streak to 14 fights and established himself as the new king of the light heavyweight division.
Justin Gaethje Edges Out Rafael Fiziev in Another Classic
In a high-paced co-main event, Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev delivered another grueling three-round battle. Fiziev came out strong, even surprising Gaethje with early takedowns. However, Gaethje regained momentum in the second round, dropping Fiziev with an uppercut in the clinch. The final round saw Fiziev start aggressively, but Gaethje’s pressure and consistent striking sealed the unanimous decision win for “The Highlight.”
This victory reaffirms Gaethje’s status as one of the most durable and entertaining fighters in the lightweight division.
Ignacio Bahamondes Earns Career-Defining Victory
Ignacio Bahamondes proved he’s a force to be reckoned with, submitting Jalin Turner in the first round. The fight, expected to be a striking contest, took a surprising turn when Bahamondes found himself on his back early. Undeterred, he worked his way to full guard and locked in a perfectly executed triangle choke, forcing Turner to tap out.
With this win, Bahamondes extends his streak to three consecutive finishes and solidifies his place among the top lightweight contenders.
Amanda Lemos Outworks Iasmin Lucindo
In a tactical matchup between Brazilian strawweights, Amanda Lemos relied on her experience to grind out a hard-fought unanimous decision over rising star Iasmin Lucindo. Lucindo showed flashes of potential, but Lemos’ superior grappling and control secured her the victory.
Mauricio Ruffy Steals the Show with Sensational Knockout
Opening the main card in spectacular fashion, Mauricio Ruffy delivered a highlight-reel spinning wheel kick knockout against King Green. After setting up the strike with a well-timed feint, Ruffy landed the kick cleanly, knocking Green out cold.
Now 3-0 in the UFC with two finishes, Ruffy is quickly making a name for himself as a dangerous contender in his division.
Final Thoughts
UFC 313 was a night filled with unforgettable moments, thrilling finishes, and major shakeups in multiple divisions. With Ankalaev crowned as the new light heavyweight champion, Gaethje reaffirming his elite status, and rising stars like Bahamondes and Ruffy making statements, the event delivered on every level.
What’s next for these fighters? A rematch between Pereira and Ankalaev could be on the horizon, while Gaethje may be in line for another high-profile lightweight showdown. One thing is certain—the UFC landscape continues to evolve, and fans can’t wait to see what’s next!
