UFC 313 experienced significant last-minute changes as two key fights were canceled just hours before the event was set to commence. The promotions officials announced on March 8, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, the withdrawal of heavyweights Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev, along with another bout involving featherweights John Castaneda and Chris Gutierrez.
The first fight cancellation was Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev. Blaydes, who is currently ranked fifth among heavyweights, announced via social media he had contracted norovirus on the night of March 7. He stated, "Worked through the night to try and recover but my body wouldn't cooperate." Blaydes apologized to both fans and his opponent, assuring them the match would be rescheduled soon.
This fight was expected to be Blaydes' first since his disappointing knockout loss to interim champion Tom Aspinall last July. For Kuniev, the bout would have represented his UFC debut after successfully earning a contract through Dana White's Contender Series last year.
The second cancellation involved John Castaneda, who was due to face Chris Gutierrez. The UFC cited Castaneda's illness as the reason for this fight being called off as well. This marked the second consecutive fight affected for Castaneda, following another cancellation the previous week due to opponent Douglas Silva de Andrade's withdrawal.
Despite these cancellations, the UFC 313 card will carry on with ten fights, including the highly anticipated main event featuring reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira defending his title against Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira, regarded for his knockout prowess, seeks his fourth consecutive title defense.
The rest of the card still promises excitement with bouts like Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev and numerous other intriguing matchups, ensuring there remains plenty of action for fans tuning in for this highly awaited pay-per-view event.
Besides the canceled fights, this year's UFC 313 finds itself amid fluctuated circumstances. While major bouts remain intact, the overall anxiety thrown by illnesses highlights the unpredictability of fight schedules, demonstrating how quickly Fighter health can drastically alter planned events.
UFC 313 was originally set to feature 12 bouts, but with the cancellation of Blaydes vs. Kuniev and Castaneda vs. Gutierrez two of the events decorated matchups are now removed. The UFC has not announced whether either of these matches will be rescheduled for future cards, sending ripples through fans' expectations of match-up excitement.
Fans will be gearing up for the preliminary card beginning at 8 p.m. ET and the main card slated for 10 p.m. ET on March 8. This card’s adjustments demonstrate how unpredictable the UFC schedule can be, and fans can only hope upcoming fights will showcase their intended action.
Overall, the first quarter of 2025 shines with unpredictable thrills, as athletes continue to show resilience the face of setbacks. UFC's adaptations amid challenges bring light to how the sport remains alive with fierce competition, regardless of hindrances from unforeseen events.
The night may have started with cancellations, but it will carry on with compelling fights and passionate contenders, transforming moments of uncertainty to excitement within the octagon.