The recent UFC 313 event held over the weekend at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas showcased thrilling matchups among elite fighters, culminating with the crowning of new champions and proposals for future bouts. One of the standout moments was the triumphant fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, which saw Ankalaev win by unanimous decision, becoming the new UFC light heavyweight champion. This victory marks Ankalaev's 21st professional win, bringing his record to 21 victories with just one loss and one draw.
The fight lasted the entire five rounds, with judges unanimously ruling in favor of Ankalaev, solidifying his status within the division. Pereira endured his third loss, with two of these occurring during fights under the UFC banner. Following the fight, renowned fighter Umar Nurmagomedov praised Ankalaev, stating, "I made history. The Champ," before sharing his excitement with fans across social media. This moment not only highlights Ankalaev's skill but also opens up new chapters for his career, as he could soon face some of the top competitors in the UFC.
Another notable fight during UFC 313 featured Justin Gaethje against Rafael Fiziev. This match was intense and was eventually recognized as the 'Fight of the Night.' Gaethje secured victory by majority decision, enhancing his record to 27 wins out of 32 fights. Both fighters were awarded significant bonuses of $50,000 each, totaling 24.5 million tenge. The bout was not just pivotal for Gaethje; it was equally defining for Fiziev, who left the octagon with valuable experience, bringing his professional record to 12 wins and 5 losses.
Henry Cejudo, former UFC champion, was not shy to weigh in after UFC 313, taking to social media to suggest high-stakes matchups for Makhachev moving forward. Cejudo stated, "Makhachev vs Gaethje — this title fight needs to happen during International Fight Week (June 28)." Makhachev, with his impressive record of 27 wins out of 28 MMA fights, now has the chance to face Gaethje, who holds 26 wins out of 31 fights.
The event's appeal extended beyond individual matches, with financial payouts capturing the headlines as well. Magomed Ankalaev earned $2.28 million from the bout, which included $750,000 for participating, alongside $1.5 million from the pay-per-view (PPV) bonus, and $32,000 from sponsorships. Pereira, on the other hand, earned $4.04 million, making him the top earner of the night with $1 million for entering the fight and $3 million from PPV sales, plus $42,000 from sponsors. Gaethje also had noteworthy earnings of $1.42 million, which included several bonuses for his performance, and Rafael Fiziev earned $766,000.
To wrap up the event, the UFC rewarded other fighters for their exceptional performances, handing out bonuses of $50,000 to four different fighters. Among them was Mauricio Ruffy, who stunned audiences with his knockout, earning his own performance bonus after standing out during the night.
UFC 313 not only provided thrilling entertainment through breathtaking matches and new champions but also captivated fans and analysts alike with perspectives on the fighters' futures. The blend of remarkable athleticism and strategic combat keeps viewers eagerly anticipating the future of these talents.
With future matchups like Makhachev vs. Gaethje on the horizon paired with the impressive performances from Ankalaev and Gaethje, the UFC community continues to thrive. Fans can only wonder what exhilarating encounters await as these athletes strive to create their legacies within one of the world’s premier mixed martial arts organizations.