UFC 313 showcased a thrilling night of mixed martial arts on the evening of March 8 to March 9, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event featured the defending light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who faced off against the number one contender Magomed Ankalaev. This fight promised to be significant, as Pereira aimed to secure his fourth consecutive title defense within just eleven months. Achieving this feat would mark a historic milestone within the UFC, establishing him as one of the greatest champions of all time.
Since capturing the light heavyweight belt by defeating Jiri Prochazka with a TKO at UFC 295 on November 11, 2023, Pereira has successfully defended his title three times. His previous defenses included victories over Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka again, and Khalil Rountree Jr. Having established his dominance, Pereira’s aim was not only to retain the title but also to break Jon Jones' longstanding record for the most title defenses within one year.
On the other hand, Magomed Ankalaev, undefeated since 2018, presented a formidable challenge. He was riding on the momentum of prior victories, including impressive fights against Johnny Walker and Aleksandar Rakic. With an overall professional record of 20 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, Ankalaev sought to dethrone Pereira and claim the coveted title.
The anticipation built as the main card started at 4 AM on March 9, with the main event expected to kick off around 6 AM. Fans could tune in live on RMC Sport 1, which was streaming the entire event.
Unfortunately, the excitement was tinged with disappointment as two fights were canceled just hours before the opening bell. Curtis Blaydes was set to fight Rizvan Kuniev, but he withdrew due to illness. Likewise, John Castaneda's bout against Chris Gutierrez also fell victim to the same fate, as Castaneda fell ill. These last-minute cancellations left fans wondering whether the respective fights would be rebooked for another event.
Despite these setbacks, the night still promised significant matchups including the co-main event featuring Justin Gaethje against Rafael Fiziev, both known for their relentless fighting styles and explosive performances. This fight was particularly important for Gaethje, who had been absent from the octagon for over a year and aimed to regain his footing among the lightweight elite. The two fighters were set to clash under electrifying circumstances, adding to the event's overall allure.
UFC 313 not only celebrated the prowess of its champions but also highlighted the unpredictability of fight night. The night before battles often brings with it uncertainty, and UFC 313 was no exception. While Pereira and Ankalaev prepared for their climactic showdown, the fight cancellations served as stark reminders of the physical toll the sport takes on its athletes. It also laid bare the fluid nature of mixed martial arts, where every moment counts.
Fans were eager to see whether Pereira could defend his title again, solidifying his legacy within the sport, as he expressed the desire to rise to the challenge of defending against the most experienced and formidable opponent yet. Conversely, Ankalaev's eagerness to capture the title added to the overarching narrative of this highly-anticipated event.
So, whether you were viewing from the T-Mobile Arena or streaming live from the comfort of your own home, UFC 313 served as both as thrilling matches and dramatic showdowns unveiled across all corners of the octagon.
All eyes were on Pereira and Ankalaev, with the stakes higher than ever. History awaited, as fans pondered whether Pereira would emerge victorious or if Ankalaev would seize his moment, transcending from contender to champion.