UFC 313 saw Magomed Ankalaev become the new light heavyweight champion with a controversial win over Alex Pereira, while Justin Gaethje re-entered the lightweight title picture by defeating Rafael Fiziev in their rematch, amidst technical issues with ESPN’s streaming service and standout performances from fighters like Mauricio Ruffy.
UFC 313 is now a part of history, marking the first new UFC champion of 2025. In the main event, Magomed Ankalaev clinched the light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision over Alex Pereira in a nail-biter. Not everyone agreed with the judges, but hey, it’s “Big Ank Time” now.
Justin Gaethje, in the co-main event, once again proved his mettle by outlasting Rafael Fiziev in their rematch. This win repositions him in the lightweight title conversation. There’s so much to discuss post-UFC 313, and MMA Fighting has gathered its experts to delve into the major talking points.
1. What is your blurb review of UFC 313?
Lee: Big Ank Time. It’s catchy! The new sensation sweeping the nation. All the cool kids are saying it.
Heck: A pretty tasty meal, but the dessert didn’t quite hit the spot — though it’s not the chef’s fault (more on that later).
Martin: Another falling star. Conor McGregor, Sean O’Malley, and now Alex Pereira.
Meshew: A card that looked decent on paper and was more fun than expected… until the main event cast a shadow over everything.
2. Did the right guy win the main event?
Meshew: Sure? Watching live, I scored it for Pereira, but it was far from definitive. I gave him slight edges in rounds 1, 3, and 5, but flipping any of those wouldn’t be outrageous. On rewatching, I flipped Round 5 to Ankalaev. It was one of those close fights where neither could be too upset with the scorecards.
Ultimately, rounds 2 and 4 were clear for Ankalaev. You’d have to let Pereira sweep the close rounds to win, which feels generous given how tight they were. While not how fights are scored, Ankalaev had the biggest moments and seemed like a deserving winner despite everyone loving “Poatan.”
Lee: Somehow, it is so. As thrilling as Pereira’s run has been, Ankalaev might have been the best light heavyweight all along. Were it not for past disappointments and rematches, he’d likely have faced top-tier competition sooner and already be champion.
Nature has corrected itself; Ankalaev’s unbeaten streak finally earned him gold.
In terms of scoring, I had it 48-47 for Pereira, but this was subpar for Poatan. Ankalaev executed his game plan perfectly with constant pressure and masterful footwork.
Heck: I guess? During UFC 313 Watch Party, I scored it 48-47 for Pereira. He clearly won rounds one and five; Ankalaev took two and four. The third round was pivotal; live-scoring had me leaning towards Pereira despite Ankalaev landing cleanly at one point.
Scoring for Ankalaev is understandable and fine.
The bigger takeaway from rewatching is blaming Pereira for an unexciting main event. Like after UFC 276’s stinker between Adesanya and Cannonier—if one fighter hands you victory, you take it. Kudos to Ankalaev even if it was clear Pereira lacked his fastball.
Martin: The right guy won but not by a landslide. I scored it 48-47 for Ankalaev; felt good about that result after seeing round three unfold with a late punch stunning Pereira momentarily.
Pereira allowed Ankalaev’s forward pressure without repercussions outside early calf-kicks—never threatening enough to back him off. Complaining about clinches being boring is moot; it’s a tactic in MMA—break free or make him pay!
3. Where does Justin Gaethje go from here?
Lee: Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev 2 was another banger as expected—but didn’t boost Gaethje’s stock much either way.
“The Highlight” can slide into title shots anytime due to popularity/cachet/company approval—but makes sense booking Dan Hooker fight again or having him test Arman Tsarukyan regaining No1 contender status instead since beating Fiziev again didn’t gain much beyond entertainment value alone…
Expect Hooker bout setup soon then revisit this question afterward…
Heck: Availability remains crucial today’s UFC especially lightweight division whether against Islam Makhachev someone else real-world scenario sees Gaethje fighting next—but unlikely happens…
Path seems headed Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria unless Jack Della Maddalena beats Belal Muhammad welterweight title changing everything otherwise fascinated Gaethje vs Arman Tsarukyan matchup tremendous test both guys winner undeniable case toughest title win all MMA…
If Makhachev moves up welterweight winner Oliveira vacant fun hell!
Martin: Back big fight probably bonus unlikely awaiting title shot next…
Surprising doubt surrounding Gaethje entering Saturday night despite flattening worst way possible Max Holloway UFC300 real-world chin cracked unable taking punches longer give guy one more fight see plays out—not only taking Fiziev’s punches dishing punishing shots night long…
Gaethje doesn’t put boring fights limitless options suggesting UFC313 allows welcoming Ilia Topuria lightweight former145-pound king built bigger division savage tuned Jai Herbert lone appearance155-pounds humbly opinion needs win before Makhachev shot beating Gaethje job huge fight lasts long…
Meshew: Screw boys let’s live little! Give Justin Gaethje friggin’ title shot!
Understand reasons not letting fight belt again considered don’t dweeb exciting fighter history MMA never boring fight just did solid immense risk zero upside delivered goods once again UFC essentially same thing Dustin Poirier last year single person upset principles play here…
Gaethje line lightweight title shot year ago until UFC screwed booking schedule needed vs Max Holloway UFC300 biggest promotional history desperate need juice better job world already fought Makhachev get anyway…
No wrong way eat Reese’s book dime store mannequin still make Fight Night Hooker Topuria Tsarukyan fine daring dream…
4.Who biggest loser UFC313?
Lee: Dana White critically speaking championship situation mess outside few divisions most exciting titleholder lost belt heavyweight champion picky meals Ilia Topuria vacated featherweight Magomed Ankalaev Merab Dvalishvili Belal Muhammad Valentina Shevchenko Zhang Weili styles unappealing casual fan kindly put…
White train business-wise signs slowing down (ready Des Moines shatter U.S gate records!) undeniable lack buzz product stings ego hopefully Uncle spare hundreds lying soaking tears…
Heck: Based Q rating ESPN particularly close half roster past present blasting application working ordering pay-per-view multiple times awful PR personally issues ESPN+ prelims fortunately fixed no further problems during Watch Party fans expressing displeasure ordering paying unable watch negotiating broadcast streaming television rights good look all…
Martin: Truth told Mr Heck correct—ESPN took chin Saturday night sake option let’s Alex Pereira cruel sport star power attraction save bad night office felt couldn’t get going end loss reign demolished signs pointing immediate rematch perception leading distracted jet-setting Australia weeks cornering Sean Strickland simply focused dangerous opponent faced moving205-pounds noise louder actually lost talk getting Jon Jones Tom Aspinall dead buried birthday approaching July clock ticking few big fights father time catches up…
Meshew: Tempted Magomed Ankalaev fans livid win took home belt important light Jalin Turner believer past years head Saturday night losing Ignacio Bahamondes fourth past five badly talent mental mistakes exception basically put himself fight-ending triangle deflating despite29-years-old retired emotional revealing interview Aaron Bronsteter retirement mind long game anymore end best Dana White thinking retirement should hang gloves move chapter life wish well didn’t lose fight lost career biggest loser…
5.Out top two fights hero UFC313?
Lee: Mauricio Ruffy “Hero” wrong term society shouldn’t lionizing folks kicking head super hard face-planting wheel kick nowhere heroic behavior call “Clark Kent” glasses hate King Green love rising star assert deepest division list must-see fighters considering stole show card Pereira Gaethje fought saying lot…
Heck: Robert Glenn Lawler Congratulations fun game fighters history sport earns well-deserved place Hall Fame three months time said Saturday night forever newer fans hopping board never seen fight watch Lawler’s fights both inside outside defense broke Rory MacDonald top billing spectacular195 against Carlos Condit greatest ending career chef’s kiss legend!
Meshew: Obvious Mauricio Ruffy live reaction correct Robbie Lawler morally obligated choose Door Number3 remember Saturday referee Mark Smith unthinkable deducted point fighter breaking rules?!?!?! spend time railing feckless ineptitude referees enforcing celebrate referee right generally think good correctly Armen Petrosyan multiple low blows shocked pleased especially nice job later evening Jason Herzog believes best ref sport coming admits taken point fouls allowed Rafael Fiziev freely low blow Justin Gaethje nothing think Mark Smith save refereeing oasis reason barren wasteland nonsensical ambivalence…
Martin: Love different answer Mauricio Ruffy Knockout Year contender lopped King Green dome duplicate esteemed colleague Alexander K Lee said pay-per-view main card spectacular start jaw-dropping ages uncork kick nowhere dramatic slumped face-first canvas ending visually better Terry Etim falling tree chopped eating similar Edson Barboza tiresome hearing pleading bonus finish warrant full$100000 damn…