UFC 313 is within the books, and for the primary time in 2025, there’s a brand new UFC champion.
On Saturday, in the principle occasion of UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev lastly claimed the sunshine heavyweight title, taking a unanimous resolution win over Alex Pereira in a particularly shut battle. The loss is Pereira’s first at gentle heavyweight, and wasn’t one everyone agreed with, however nonetheless, it’s now “Huge Ank Time.”
Plus, within the co-main occasion, Justin Gaethje did it once more, outlasting Rafael Fiziev of their rematch to re-insert himself into the light-weight title image another time.
So with lots to speak about coming off the newest pay-per-view entry, MMA Preventing as soon as once more gathered the mind belief to interrupt down the large subjects coming off of UFC 313.
1. What’s your blurb evaluation of UFC 313?
Lee: Huge Ank Time. It’s catchy! The brand new sensation that’s sweeping the nation. All of the cool youngsters are saying it, actually.
Heck: A fairly tasty meal, however a dessert that tasted OK, however didn’t go down in addition to anticipated — though the chef is to not blame (extra on that in a second).
Martin: One other falling star. Conor McGregor, Sean O’Malley, and now Alex Pereira.
Meshew: A card that was respectable on paper and extra enjoyable than I anticipated … till the principle occasion type of put a hex on the whole damn thing.
2. Did the appropriate man win the principle occasion?
Meshew: Certain?
Watching stay, I scored the battle for Pereira, however that was removed from ironclad. I gave Pereira slight edges in rounds 1, 3, and 5, however if you wish to flip any of these, it’s not fully egregious, and upon rewatch I really did flip Spherical 5 to attain for Ankalaev. That is merely a type of very shut fights the place neither man may very well be too upset with regardless of the scorecards ended up being.
In the end, I believe the 2 most clear-cut rounds have been 2 and 4, each for Ankalaev, which means you needed to let Pereira sweep the shut rounds to win. Doing so is appropriate, but additionally, that kind of feels beneficiant in rounds that have been just about toss-ups. And whereas this isn’t how fights are scored, I do consider Ankalaev had the most important moments within the battle and thus he feels like a deserving winner, even when it’s type of a bummer since everybody loves “Poatan.”
Lee: One way or the other, it’s so.
As thrilling as Pereira’s run has been, and as deserving as he’s of all of the pound-for-pound reward he’s acquired, it’s totally attainable Ankalaev has been one of the best gentle heavyweight on the planet this entire time. Had been it not for a disappointing title battle draw towards Jan Blachowicz, and a pair of actually wasteful rematches with Johnny Walker and Ion Cutelaba, Ankalaev would have been put up towards top-tier competitors extra incessantly and possibly already be champion.
Nature has righted itself, although, and the person with the 14-fight unbeaten streak lastly has gold round his waist.
With regard to scoring, I had it 48-47 Pereira, however this was a subpar efficiency for Poatan, and Ankalaev labored his recreation plan to perfection. Fixed stress, masterful footwork, and, sure, well timed wrestling have been the keys to fixing the Pereira puzzle, and Ankalaev did simply sufficient to beat him to the end line.
Heck: I suppose?
To be an open ebook, through the UFC 313 Watch Occasion, I scored the battle 48-47 Pereira. I believed Poatan very clearly received the primary and fifth rounds, whereas Ankalaev received the second and fourth. All of it got here right down to the third spherical, which I scored for Pereira watching stay. Whereas my rating of 10-9 Pereira stays within the re-watch, I definitely perceive scoring it for Ankalaev, regardless of Pereira touchdown extra. Sure, there was a second the place Ankalaev landed clear, and the printed made it seem as if the shot led to a “stumble,” or Pereira was “harm,” however it gave the impression to be extra of a footing scenario than anything.
Once more, in case you scored it for Ankalaev, it’s comprehensible and advantageous.
The larger takeaway from this battle upon the rewatch is that I put the lion’s share of the blame for the principle occasion not being tremendous enjoyable on Pereira. Very similar to I did within the aftermath of UFC 276, and the stinker between Israel Adesanya and Jared Cannonier, if one fighter goes handy the opposite a victory, you say “thanks” and run with it. Ankalaev did that, and kudos to him, even thought it was fairly clear Pereira didn’t have his fastball.
Martin: The fitting man received, however it wasn’t a blowout by any means.
I had the battle scored 48-47 for Ankalaev, and I felt fairly good about that consequence when the battle was over, though it actually got here right down to spherical three for me. It was a reasonably even spherical for probably the most half, however there was a late punch from Ankalaev that seemingly surprised Pereira momentarily, and that’s what finally swayed me to go for the Russian. Reality be instructed, the one actually definitive spherical was the second when Ankalaev stumbled Pereira with that massive left hook, however with solely 15 seconds left to go, he couldn’t swarm an excessive amount of to go for the end.
It have to be famous that Pereira has nobody in charge however himself for the way in which the battle performed out. He allowed Ankalaev to always put ahead stress on him with no repercussions. Outdoors of these calf-kicks early within the battle, Pereira simply sat again and waited means an excessive amount of, and he by no means actually threatened Ankalaev sufficient to again him off. He can complain in regards to the clinch conditions and name it boring, however that’s a tactic in blended martial arts. If he can’t break away, or make Ankalaev pay for that transfer, that’s on Pereira and no one else.
3. The place does Justin Gaethje go from right here?
Lee: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev 2 was one other banger as anticipated. Sadly, the win additionally didn’t do a lot for Gaethje’s inventory, additionally as anticipated.
“The Spotlight” has the recognition, cachet, and firm approval to ease right into a title shot at any time when, however it makes simply as a lot sense to re-book the Dan Hooker battle or ebook him because the check Arman Tsarukyan has to cross to regain his No. 1 contender standing. There simply wasn’t loads for Gaethje to realize by beating Fiziev once more, as enjoyable because it was to observe.
I count on the Hooker bout to be arrange once more in just a few months after which we’ll revisit this query.
Heck: As I’ve been saying for a few years now, availability is your finest buddy in immediately’s UFC, and it couldn’t be extra true within the light-weight division. Whether or not it’s towards Islam Makhachev, or any individual else, there’s a really actual world Gaethje fights for the light-weight title subsequent — I simply don’t suppose he’ll.
It seems we’re on the trail in direction of a Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria matchup — except Jack Della Maddalena beats Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title at UFC 315 as a result of that modifications every part. However in a world the place every part is considerably regular, I’d be extremely fascinated by a Gaethje vs. Arman Tsarukyan battle. It could be an incredible check for each guys, and the winner would have a close to simple case to battle for the hardest title to win in all of MMA.
If Makhachev does find yourself transferring as much as welterweight, the winner of that battle vs. Charles Oliveira for the vacant title could be enjoyable as hell.
Martin: Again to a different large battle, and possibly one other bonus, however unlikely {that a} title shot awaits him subsequent.
It was really type of beautiful to see how many individuals have been doubting Gaethje going into Saturday evening. Sure, he received flattened within the worst means attainable by Max Holloway at UFC 300, and there’s an actual world the place his chin getting cracked meant Gaethje wouldn’t have the ability to take these punches any longer, however not less than give the man another battle to see how that performs out. Not solely did he take Fiziev’s punches, however he dished out probably the most punishing photographs all evening lengthy.
So far as what comes subsequent — Gaethje doesn’t placed on boring fights so his choices are limitless. My suggestion throughout UFC 313 was permitting Gaethje to welcome Ilia Topuria to light-weight to see if the previous 145-pound king is admittedly constructed for the larger division. Topuria is a savage, however he additionally received tuned up by Jai Herbert in his lone look at 155 kilos. In my humble opinion, he wants a win earlier than getting a shot at Makhachev. Beating Gaethje does the job, and it could be an enormous battle for so long as it lasted.
Meshew: Screw it, boys, let’s stay slightly! Give Justin Gaethje a friggin’ title shot!
Look, I perceive all the causes not to let Gaethje battle for the belt once more, however have you ever thought-about this: don’t be such a dweeb. Gaethje is probably the most thrilling fighter within the historical past of MMA. He has actually by no means been in a boring battle. Now he simply did the UFC a stable by taking a battle with immense danger, and 0 upside, and delivered the products as soon as once more. The UFC basically did the identical factor for Dustin Poirier final yr and never a single individual was upset. Identical rules are at play right here.
Plus, Gaethje was in line to get a light-weight title shot a yr in the past till the UFC screwed up its reserving schedule and wanted to place him vs. Max Holloway on UFC 300 as a result of the most important card in promotional historical past was in determined want of juice. In a world the place the UFC was higher at its job, Gaethje would have already fought Makhachev. Now we are able to get that world anyway.
But additionally, there’s no incorrect strategy to eat this Reese’s. You possibly can ebook Gaethje towards a dime retailer model and he’d nonetheless make it Combat of the Evening. Hooker, Topuria, Tsarukyan, any of them are additionally advantageous. However I’m daring to dream.
4. Who’s the most important loser of UFC 313?
Lee: Dana White, although actually solely from a crucial standpoint.
There’s no means round it, the championship scenario is a large number proper now outdoors of some divisions, and probably the most thrilling titleholder simply misplaced his belt. His heavyweight champion is being choosy together with his meals, Ilia Topuria simply vacated the featherweight title, and Magomed Ankalaev, Merab Dvalishvili, Belal Muhammad, Valentina Shevchenko, and Zhang Weili all have kinds that aren’t probably the most interesting to the informal fan, to place it kindly.
Don’t get me incorrect, White and the UFC prepare present no indicators of slowing down business-wise (prepare for UFC Des Moines to shatter U.S. gate information!), however there’s an simple lack of buzz across the product, which has to sting the ego slightly. Hopefully, Uncle Dana has sufficient spare tons of mendacity round to absorb the tears.
Heck: Primarily based on Q score, it must be ESPN, and it’s not significantly shut.
When half of the UFC roster — previous and current — are blasting ESPN for it’s utility not working after ordering the pay-per-view (some a number of instances), that’s some terrible PR proper there. I had points, personally, with ESPN+ through the prelims. Fortuitously, it fastened itself and I had no additional points.
However even through the Watch Occasion, there have been A LOT of followers expressing their displeasure for ordering, and paying for the principle card, however weren’t capable of watch it. And in a yr the place the UFC is negotiating its broadcast streaming and tv rights, it’s not a very good have a look at all.
Martin: Reality be instructed, Mr. Heck is appropriate — ESPN took one on the chin on Saturday evening, however only for the sake of another choice, let’s go along with Alex Pereira.
MMA is a merciless sport and all of the star energy and attraction can’t prevent from a nasty evening on the workplace. Pereira felt that on Saturday when he simply couldn’t get going towards Ankalaev, and the tip consequence was a loss and the tip of his title reign. Now, Pereira didn’t get demolished and all indicators are pointing towards an instantaneous rematch. However prefer it or not, the notion of “Poatan” main into UFC 313 was that he was distracted after jet-setting to Australia only a few weeks earlier than his battle to nook Sean Strickland and was merely not targeted on probably the most harmful opponent he confronted since transferring to 205 kilos.
That noise is barely going to get louder now that Pereira really misplaced, and the discuss him getting Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall is useless and buried. Add to that, his thirty eighth birthday is quick approaching in July, and the clock is ticking on him getting just a few extra large fights in earlier than father time catches as much as him.
Meshew: I’m sorely tempted to go along with Magomed Ankalaev as a result of followers are furious about his win, however he did take residence the belt and that’s extra necessary. So in gentle of that, I’m going with Jalin Turner.
I’m undecided there was a much bigger believer in Turner than I’ve been over the previous few years, however issues lastly got here to a head on Saturday evening. Not solely did Turner lose to Ignacio Bahamondes (his fourth loss in his previous 5 fights), however he did so badly. Turner has mountains of expertise, however typically makes huge psychological errors, and this battle was no exception as he mainly put himself into the fight-ending triangle.
The loss was so deflating, that regardless of being simply 29 years outdated, Turner retired from MMA. He gave an emotional and revealing interview with Aaron Bronsteter after the fight the place he mentioned retirement has been on his thoughts for a very long time and easily doesn’t have the sport in him anymore.
Ultimately, this may in all probability be finest for Turner. As Dana White says, in case you’re desirous about retirement in any respect, it’s best to cling up the gloves. Turner can transfer on to the following chapter of his life ,and I want him nicely, however on Saturday he didn’t simply lose a battle, he misplaced his entire profession, so he’s the most important loser.
5. Outdoors of the highest two fights, who was the hero of UFC 313?
Lee: Mauricio Ruffy.
“Hero” might be the incorrect time period right here, as a result of as a society, we in all probability shouldn’t be lionizing people for kicking individuals within the head tremendous exhausting, but when face-planting somebody with a wheel kick out of nowhere is taken into account heroic conduct, then simply name Ruffy “Clark Kent” (he already has the glasses for it).
You hate to see King Inexperienced exit like that, however you like to see a rising star like Ruffy proceed to say himself as one to observe in MMA’s deepest division. Identical to that, Ruffy has put himself on the record of the UFC’s most must-see fighters, and contemplating he stole the present on a card the place Pereira and Gaethje additionally fought, that’s saying loads.
Heck: Robert Glenn Lawler.
Congratulations to probably the most enjoyable and recreation fighters within the historical past of the game as he earns his well-deserved place within the UFC Corridor of Fame in slightly over three months’ time. I mentioned this on Saturday evening, and I’ll say it eternally — particularly since there’s plenty of newer followers hopping on board who’ve by no means seen him battle — in case you have time, watch all you’ll be able to of Lawler’s fights, each out and in of the UFC.
Lawler’s title protection the place he eternally broke Rory MacDonald at all times will get high billing, and that battle is spectacular, however the UFC 195 battle towards Carlos Condit could be the best MMA battle ever. And the way in which “Ruthless” ended his profession, chef’s kiss. What a legend!
Meshew: The plain reply is Mauricio Ruffy (just check out my live reaction), and the right reply is Robbie Lawler, however I’m morally obligated to decide on Door Quantity 3: Do y’all keep in mind on Saturday when referee Mark Smith did the unthinkable and really deducted some extent from a fighter for breaking the foundations?!?!?!?!
I spend an inordinate period of time on this web site railing against the feckless ineptitude of MMA referees for by no means really imposing the foundations of MMA. I’d be an asshole to not have fun a referee when he does the appropriate factor for as soon as. I don’t usually consider Mark Smith as a very good referee, however he accurately took some extent from Armen Petrosyan after a number of low blows and I used to be shocked and happy to see it occur.
It was particularly good to see Smith do his job as a result of afterward within the night, Jason Herzog — who I consider is one of the best ref within the sport and is coming off an occasion the place he admits he ought to’ve taken some extent for fouls — allowed Rafael Fiziev to freely low blow Justin Gaethje with out doing something.
I don’t suppose Mark Smith goes to save lots of refereeing, however it was nonetheless an oasis of purpose within the in any other case barren wasteland of nonsensical refereeing ambivalence.
Martin: I’d like to give you a special reply, however it’s Mauricio Ruffy and his Knockout of the 12 months contender after he lopped off King Inexperienced’s dome. To not duplicate what my esteemed colleague Alexander Ok. Lee already mentioned however Ruffy received the UFC 313 pay-per-view principal card off to a spectacular begin with a jaw-dropping knockout for the ages.
Ruffy actually did uncork that kick out of nowhere and the second was solely made that rather more dramatic when Inexperienced simply slumped face-first to the canvas to finish the battle. Visually, that was even higher than Terry Etim simply falling like a tree getting chopped down when he ate the same kick from Edson Barboza.
As tiresome because it will get listening to fighters pleading for a bonus, Ruffy’s end in all probability did warrant a full $100,000 as a result of rattling.
