Two lightweight fighters with very different trajectories meet at UFC 313 as Jalin Turner squares off against Ignacio Bahamondes on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This matchup is eagerly awaited, not just for the fighters' backgrounds and skills but also for what’s at stake for each athlete.
Jalin Turner, known as "The Tarantula," enters the octagon with a professional record of 14 wins and 8 losses, and he's seeking to bounce back after suffering three defeats in his last four outings. The most recent blow came at UFC 300, where he lost via TKO to Renato Moicano. Many expected Turner to secure the win after he knocked Moicano down. Instead, after walking away briefly, he allowed Moicano to recover, and eventually faced defeat. Reflecting on his performance on the MMA Today podcast, Turner admitted, "I went through a lot of stuff after [UFC] 300 loss... I just had to recuperate and I just had to grow and I just had to just find my fire..."
The 29-year-old fighter took 11 months off following this setback, during which he dealt with emotional challenges and questioned his place within mixed martial arts. "For several months I prayed about it. God was there telling me, 'Nah, you still need to fight, don’t be fearful,” Turner stated, showcasing his determination to return to form.
On the opposing side is Ignacio Bahamondes, also 6 feet 3 inches tall but two years younger at 27, with his own record of 16 wins and 5 losses. Known as "La Jaula," Bahamondes aims to break the Top 15 lightweight rankings. He has been on fire lately, boasting back-to-back Performance of the Night bonuses with stoppages of Christos Giagos and Manuel Torres. Analysts point to his improved fight IQ, as he averages 7.17 significant strikes per minute and exhibits strong defense, including 85% takedown success.
The fight has garnered significant attention as Turner aims to reclaim his previous outstanding performances, and Bahamondes seeks to continue his winning streak. A win for Turner is especially pivotal, as he fights to prove his worth after facing scrutiny for his recent performances. "After UFC 300, I grew sick of everything... I had to get off social media, kind of just live life...,” he shared with candid honesty, emphasizing the emotional toll the loss had taken on him.
Betting odds show Bahamondes as the slight favorite at -130, with Turner at +104. Bahamondes’s strategic fighting style has drawn admiration from experts. Analyst from BET99 mentioned, "Turner normally has physical advantages... but not here as Bahamondes has the same physical dimensions and will likely inhale the victory.”
Expectations are running high leading up to the fight, which is likely to start around 11:10 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on ESPN+. Fans anticipate compelling and exciting action as both fighters bring knockout power to the cage. Turner has not only snatched victory through submissions but is well-equipped for grappling exchanges, having previously stopped four of his opponents via this method.
With Bahamondes aiming to pivot from his fighter status to breakout success and Turner determined to stave off back-to-back losses, UFC 313 promises to be thrilling for fans. Each fighter's skills, recent performance levels, and strategic capabilities will be on display. Will Jalin Turner reclaim his former glory, or will Ignacio Bahamondes continue his ascent and solidify his position among the top contenders? Whatever the outcome, the bout is expected to deliver fireworks and possibly the fight of the night.
Catch all the live action as the two lightweights duke it out on Saturday, March 8—a date marked by hope for Turner and ambition for Bahamondes as they clash for supremacy at UFC 313!