UFC 313, which took place on March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, unfolded amid controversy and excitement, setting the stage for thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes.
The event started with significant delays as the card was cut down from twelve to ten fights just hours before the action began. Notably, Curtis Blaydes and John Castaneda withdrew due to illness, with Blaydes confirming he was afflicted by norovirus. "It's unfortunate, but we still have 10 great fights," commented UFC commentator Joe Rogan during the event's opening sequence.
The first bout of the night featured Ozzy Diaz and Djorden Santos, marking the beginning of what fans hoped would be a memorable evening. Diaz showcased his skills by securing a unanimous decision win over Santos, setting high expectations for the following matches.
Next up was Mairon Santos facing America's Francis Marshall, where Santos handed Marshall his third loss inside the Octagon. After three rounds of what was widely viewed as contentious judging, Santos triumphed via split decision. The breakdown on the scorecards had Judge Derek Cleary scoring for Marshall, contrasting with the two other judges who awarded the fight to Santos, resulting in widespread debate and scrutiny from fans on social media.
Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Joe Rogan were vocal about their belief, with Rogan asserting, "A 30-27 score for Marshall seemed much more plausible," emphasizing the mixed reactions to the outcome. The controversial decision intensified discussions about judging integrity within the UFC, particularly as fans had anticipated clearer results from the action.
Heading to the main event of the evening, Alex Pereira prepared to defend his light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev. Known for his formidable knockout ability, Pereira elicited admiration from commentators and fans alike. Joe Rogan elaborated on Pereira's knockout power on his podcast recently, stating, "He’s so different from anybody else in the division... It’s insane; his power’s just like, from God, it’s a crazy gift." Pereira’s record of 12 wins with 10 knockouts reflects his exceptional ability to finish fights and demonstrates the high stakes for Ankalaev, who aims to dethrone the champion.
Pereira’s performance has garnered attention, not only due to his record but also because of his size and technique. Standing at 6’4” with remarkable speed and precision, Pereira utilizes his height to deliver powerful strikes effectively. His trademark counter-striking has left many opponents reeling and has contributed to his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters currently competing.
On the other hand, Magomed Ankalaev has also proven to be relentless, with 11 of his 20 wins coming by way of knockout, signaling his potential to alter Pereira’s title reign. Fight fans have speculated about whether Ankalaev can withstand Pereira’s notable power or if he will succumb to the relentless strikes characteristic of Pereira.
UFC 313 promised excitement, with the audience eagerly anticipating the fight of the night between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev, along with the engagement from Jalin Turner against Ignacio Bahamondes. With fights and narratives intertwining, the event was shaping up to be nothing short of electric.
Yet, the shadow of controversial decisions and injuries loomed over the proceedings. Both Blaydes and Castaneda’s withdrawals highlighted the precarious nature of fight preparedness and health, prompting discussions about athlete well-being. Blaydes expressed, "[I] worked through the night to try and recover but my body wouldn’t cooperate," as he addressed the disappointment of not competing.
Critics and analysts alike have called for the UFC to reevaluate protocols for fighter health management, especially considering the attrition rate leading up to UFC 313. Observers hope the outcomes of the night, particularly with Pereira and Ankalaev, can overshadow these challenges.
Back at the T-Mobile Arena, the air was thick with anticipation as Pereira and Ankalaev approached their bout, underlining the importance of this fight not merely for the title but also for each fighter’s career trajectories.
Coming full circle, UFC 313 represented not just fights but stories of triumph and controversy, of rising to the challenge or falling prey to unpredictability within the MMA arena. Fans left the venue with discussions brewing about the night’s highlights, especially the contentious scoring and potential ramifications moving forward.
For Pereira, this matchup was set to be another test of his title defense prowess, and for Ankalaev, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. With the specter of earlier judging controversies, each subsequent fight brought heightened scrutiny. UFC 313 will go down as more than just another numbered event—it was about the fights, the narratives, and the evolution of mixed martial arts, as the sport continues to capture hearts and ignite debates.