The excitement was palpable at UFC 313 held on March 8th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where mixed martial arts fans got to witness some electrifying fights. The night was highlighted by Magomed Ankalaev’s stunning performance in capturing the UFC light heavyweight championship after defeating the highly regarded Alex Pereira. This match brought forth a culmination of skills, strategy, and a fierce competitive spirit, culminating in a unanimous decision that resonated throughout the arena.
Ankalaev Dethrones Pereira
In the main event, Magomed Ankalaev faced off against Alex Pereira, who had been a dominant force in the 205-pound division. The matchup was one that fans had been eagerly anticipating, and it did not disappoint. Ankalaev showcased his fighting prowess and strategy, pulling ahead in the scorecards as the rounds progressed. The judges recognized Ankalaev’s control and skill, leading him to win by unanimous decision, marking a significant moment in his career as he became the third UFC champion from Dagestan.
Co-Main Event Highlights
Alongside the main event, the co-main fight saw Justin Gaethje, known for his relentless fighting style, challenging Rafael Fiziev. This thrilling clash was a rematch of their earlier encounter and was packed with action. Gaethje’s strategy paid off as he secured a unanimous decision victory, showcasing his striking and grappling skills, illustrating why he remains a fan favorite.
Impressive Performances Across the Card
Other notable fighters did not hold back either. Ignacio Bahamondes continued to impress fans and analysts alike by submitting Jalin Turner in the first round, demonstrating his effective grappling. Similarly, Amanda Lemos shined in her match against Iasmin Lucindo, achieving another unanimous decision victory. Maurico Ruffy delighted the crowd by knocking out King Green with a stunning first-round spinning wheel kick.
Moments of Honor
This event also bore witness to a special moment as veteran fighter Robbie Lawler was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Lawler, a former champion, has left an indelible mark on the sport, and his induction celebrates his contributions and unforgettable fights over the years.
Results Table from UFC 313
| Fight | Winner | Method | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pereira vs. Ankalaev | Ankalaev | Unanimous Decision | 5 |
| Gaethje vs. Fiziev | Gaethje | Unanimous Decision | 3 |
| Turner vs. Bahamondes | Bahamondes | Submission (Triangle Choke) | 1 |
| Lemos vs. Lucindo | Lemos | Unanimous Decision | 3 |
| Green vs. Ruffy | Ruffy | KO | 1 |
| Van vs. Tsuruya | Van | Unanimous Decision | 3 |
| Ferreira vs. Petrosyan | Ferreira | Submission (Armbar) | 2 |
| Morono vs. Leal | Leal | TKO | 1 |
| Santos vs. Marshall | Santos | Split Decision | 3 |
| Diaz vs. dos Santos | Diaz | (Method not specified) | (Round not specified) |
Available Broadcasts
The whole action-packed evening was available on ESPN+ PPV, allowing fans to catch all the moments live. UFC 313 proved to be a remarkable night filled with excitement, intense matchups, and unforgettable moments that will be talked about for some time. As the celebrations for Ankalaev’s championship win continue, fans can look forward to what lies ahead in the exciting world of the UFC.
