UFC 313 : Absolute Cinema | Best Fights Ahead
UFC 313 is just days away, and the excitement around this massive event continues to build. With two marquee fights headlining the card—Alex Pereira defending his Light Heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev, and Justin Gaethje taking on Rafael Fiziev in a highly anticipated rematch—fans, analysts, and fighters have plenty to discuss. This event is special not only because of its stacked lineup but also due to the intriguing narratives and uncertainties surrounding both the main and co-main events.
Here, we’ll explore the main storylines, breaking down the fights with insights from fans, coaches, and MMA experts. We’ll also dissect the full fight card, betting odds, and highlights that make UFC 313 a must-watch event.
UFC 313 | Main Event Analysis: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Will Alex Pereira Defend His Title Against Magomed Ankalaev?
The headline bout for UFC 313 is a stylistic clash that has fans debating whether Alex Pereira can continue his reign of dominance or if Magomed Ankalaev will finally claim the title. Pereira, a devastating striker with a history of highlight-reel knockouts, faces Ankalaev, a well-rounded fighter hailing from Dagestan with superior grappling credentials.
Fans and analysts are split on the outcome of this fight, with many pointing to Pereira’s formidable striking power as his primary advantage. Pereira, who boasts a 63% striking accuracy and four consecutive title defenses, has proven that his transition from middleweight to light heavyweight has been seamless. However, Ankalaev presents a set of tools Pereira hasn’t encountered frequently—namely, top-tier wrestling and precise counter-striking.
Dana White’s POV:
UFC President Dana White spoke about this fight in an interview with ESPN MMA, calling Ankalaev a “serious threat” to Pereira and one of the toughest tests for the Brazilian champion to date. “If Pereira manages to win this fight, you’re looking at a potential pound-for-pound king,” White said.
The Coach’s Take on Pereira and Ankalaev
Firas Zahabi, renowned MMA coach and analyst, provided his perspective on the fight. “Pereira is a lethal striker—he controls distance brilliantly. But Ankalaev can make this fight very ugly. His ability to mix in grappling and frustrate an opponent is unmatched. If Ankalaev decides to use wrestling, Pereira’s takedown defense will face a massive challenge,” Zahabi explained on his podcast.
On the flip side, Ankalaev’s team expressed confidence in their approach. “Magomed has weapons Pereira hasn’t seen before,” said Ankalaev’s striking coach during a media scrum. “This won’t just be a grappling match. We’ve refined his striking, and we think Pereira will underestimate that. We’ll dominate.”
What Fans Are Saying
The MMA Twitterverse is on fire with arguments about this fight. Pereira’s fans rave about his unmatched knockout power, posting clips of his brutal KOs against Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree. Meanwhile, Ankalaev’s backers point to his calm, efficient approach in the cage, sharing insights on how his counter-striking could neutralize Pereira’s aggression.
One Reddit user summed it up best, writing, “Pereira is chaos, Ankalaev is calm, and when chaos meets calm, the results are unpredictable.”
Co-Main Event Preview: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev
Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev Rematch: What to Expect?
The co-main event pits Justin Gaethje against Rafael Fiziev for the second time, following their first explosive encounter in 2023. That fight, which ended in a majority decision victory for Gaethje, is often remembered as one of the greatest striker-versus-striker matchups in recent history. Both men’s abilities to deliver fireworks make this rematch a fight fans can’t wait to see.
Gaethje enters UFC 313 as one of the most beloved fighters in the sport, known for his aggressive, all-action style. Fiziev, on the other hand, boasts incredible speed and technical brilliance. Despite their previous matchup, coaches on both sides claim this rematch will be far from a repeat.
Trevor Wittman’s POV:
Gaethje’s coach, Trevor Wittman, praised Fiziev post-fight back in 2023 but firmly believes Gaethje has the upper hand in the rematch. Speaking to MMA Junkie, Wittman said, “Justin’s ability to drag people into his chaos is unmatched. Fiziev is slick, but Justin learns quickly. Expect sharper defense and even more controlled violence.”
Rafael Fiziev’s Words:
“I’m not the same fighter Gaethje fought in 2023,” Fiziev told UFC.com. “I’ve evolved, recovered, and am more explosive than before. This time, I’ll use my speed and precision to break him down.”
The “BMF” nature of this fight has fans drooling at the thought of another slugfest. MMA influencer The MMA Guru previewed the fight on YouTube, calling it “must-watch TV for every MMA fan” and posted a poll asking fans who would win. The results? 51% in Gaethje’s favor, 49% for Fiziev—a nearly even split.
Full UFC 313 Fight Card
Main Card
- Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev (Light Heavyweight Title Fight)
- Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev (Lightweight Bout)
- Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes (Lightweight Bout)
- Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo (Women’s Strawweight Bout)
- King Green vs. Maurício Ruffy (Catchweight)
Prelims
- Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev (Heavyweight Bout)
- Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya (Flyweight Bout)
- Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan (Middleweight Bout)
- Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal (Welterweight Bout)
- Chris Gutierrez vs. John Castaneda (Bantamweight Bout)
What Makes UFC 313 a Must-Watch Event?
1. A Stylistic Main Event
The Pereira-Ankalaev matchup answers the burning question of how far elite striking alone can carry someone when facing a well-rounded, wrestling-heavy opponent.
2. Rematches and Redemption
Gaethje and Fiziev’s rematch has all the ingredients to be Fight of the Night, while fan-favorites like Curtis Blaydes and Amanda Lemos will have redemption on their minds.
3. Rising Stars on the Card
Prelim fighters like Rei Tsuruya and Ignacio Bahamondes represent the future of MMA, making this card stacked from start to finish.
4. Fan Predictions and Polls
Fans have speculated endlessly about how these marquee fights will pan out. Fan engagement is at an all-time high, with social media ablaze with predictions and debates.
When and Where to Watch UFC 313 Live
UFC fans, mark your calendars—UFC 313 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events of the year! Here’s everything you need to know about when and where it takes place, plus how to catch all the action live.
When and Where Will UFC 313 Happen?
The electrifying UFC 313 event is scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Known for hosting legendary fights, this venue will once again come alive as fans from around the globe gather to witness some of the biggest names in MMA step into the Octagon.
Event Start Times
The event is structured to maximize entertainment, and it caters to fans across all time zones with distinct phases of the fight night:
- Early Prelims: Start at 6:30 PM ET on UFC Fight Pass.
- Prelims: Begin at 8:00 PM ET, available on ESPN and ESPN+.
- Main Card: The headline fights, including the Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev Light Heavyweight Title Bout, begin at 10:00 PM ET and are available exclusively on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View.
For international fans, ensure to convert these times to your local timezone to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
How to Watch UFC 313 Live
Fans have multiple options to catch UFC 313 live based on their location and viewing preferences:
- Pay-Per-View (PPV):
The main card will be broadcast on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View. If you’re in the United States, you’ll need an ESPN+ subscription to purchase and stream the PPV. - Prelims and Early Prelims:
Episodes of the prelims will air on ESPN+ and ESPN, while the early prelims will be available on UFC Fight Pass. These options ensure fans can tune in to every fight on the stacked card. - Live Viewing at Bars:
If you’re looking for an exciting atmosphere, check out UFC’s official bar locator tool to watch livestreams with other fans at partnered sports bars and pubs near you. - Streaming Worldwide:
For international fans, platforms like BT Sport (UK) and Kayo Sports (Australia) generally cover UFC PPV events, so be sure to check your local provider for access.
Get Your Tickets
Want to be part of the electric crowd? Tickets for UFC 313 can be booked directly through the UFC website or participating ticket outlets. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of history as these world-class athletes battle it out in real-time!
Whether you’re streaming from home, watching with friends, or attending live, UFC 313 promises to be an unforgettable night of MMA action with a fight card stacked full of heart-pounding matchups. Be ready!
Final Thoughts
UFC 313 delivers not just incredible fights but also stories and implications that will ripple through the MMA world. Will Pereira solidify himself as a pound-for-pound king, or will Ankalaev usher in a new era? Can Gaethje repeat his success against Fiziev, or will the younger fighter even the score?
With so many questions and possibilities, UFC 313 feels less like an MMA event and more like a spectacle. All roads lead to March 8, and the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is set to host what could be one of the most memorable events of the year.
Links For Further Info!
- UFC Official Website – UFC 313 Event Details
- ESPN MMA – Dana White’s comments (You can search for this on ESPN MMA’s website or YouTube for the latest interviews).
- MMA Junkie – Trevor Wittman’s insights on Gaethje vs. Fiziev
- UFC.com – Rafael Fiziev’s pre-fight statements
FAQ
- Who is fighting in UFC 313?
- The main event features Alex Pereira defending his Light Heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev. The co-main event is a rematch between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev. The full fight card includes other notable matchups like Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes and Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo. Read more on UFC.com or MMA Fighting.
- Where will UFC 313 be?
- UFC 313 will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Details on UFC.com.
- What is the UFC 313 card?
- Main Card:
- Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev (Light Heavyweight Title)
- Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev (Lightweight Bout)
- Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
- Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo
- King Green vs. Mauricio Ruffy
- Prelims:
- Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev
- Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya
- Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan
- Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal
- Early Prelims:
- Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall
- Djorden Santos vs. Ozzy Diaz
- Chris Gutierrez vs. John Castaneda
Full fight card on Forbes or MMA Fighting.
- Main Card:
- Who did Alex Pereira lose to?
- Alex Pereira lost to Israel Adesanya by knockout in their rematch for the UFC Middleweight title. More on Forbes.
- Who is the brother of Khabib?
- Khabib Nurmagomedov’s brother is Abubakar Nurmagomedov, who also competes in the UFC.
- Is UFC 313 pay-per-view?
- Yes, UFC 313 is a pay-per-view event available on ESPN+. Details on UFC.com.
- Is Justin Gaethje fighting in UFC 313?
- Yes, Justin Gaethje is fighting Rafael Fiziev in the co-main event. More on MMA Fighting.
- Who is Alex Pereira fighting at UFC 313?
- Alex Pereira is fighting Magomed Ankalaev in the main event. Details on UFC.com.
- What time is UFC 313?
- The event starts with Early Prelims at 6:30 PM ET, Prelims at 8:00 PM ET, and the Main Card at 10:00 PM ET. Full schedule on Forbes.
- Who owns UFC?
- The UFC is owned by Endeavor Group Holdings, which acquired the organization in 2016.
- Did Khabib marry his wife?
- Yes, Khabib Nurmagomedov is married. He keeps his personal life private, but he married in 2013.
- Has Khabib ever lost a fight?
- No, Khabib Nurmagomedov retired undefeated with a professional MMA record of 29-0.
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