UFC 313 is within the books, and for the primary time in 2025, there’s a brand new UFC champion.
On Saturday, in the primary occasion of UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev lastly claimed the sunshine heavyweight title, taking a unanimous resolution win over Alex Pereira in an especially shut battle. The loss is Pereira’s first at gentle heavyweight, and wasn’t one everybody agreed with, however nonetheless, it’s now “Large Ank Time.”
Plus, within the co-main occasion, Justin Gaethje did it once more, outlasting Rafael Fiziev of their rematch to re-insert himself into the light-weight title image yet one more time.
So with lots to speak about coming off the most recent pay-per-view entry, MMA Combating as soon as once more gathered the mind belief to interrupt down the massive subjects coming off of UFC 313.
1. What’s your blurb overview of UFC 313?
Lee: Large Ank Time. It’s catchy! The brand new sensation that’s sweeping the nation. All of the cool children are saying it, actually.
Heck: A reasonably tasty meal, however a dessert that tasted OK, however didn’t go down in addition to anticipated — though the chef is to not blame (extra on that in a second).
Martin: One other falling star. Conor McGregor, Sean O’Malley, and now Alex Pereira.
Meshew: A card that was first rate on paper and extra enjoyable than I anticipated … till the primary occasion form of put a hex on the entire rattling factor.
2. Did the suitable man win the primary occasion?
Meshew: Certain?
Watching dwell, I scored the battle for Pereira, however that was removed from ironclad. I gave Pereira slight edges in rounds 1, 3, and 5, however if you wish to flip any of these, it’s not utterly egregious, and upon rewatch I really did flip Spherical 5 to attain for Ankalaev. That is merely a kind of very shut fights the place neither man might be too upset with regardless of the scorecards ended up being.
In the end, I believe the 2 most clear-cut rounds have been 2 and 4, each for Ankalaev, that means you needed to let Pereira sweep the shut rounds to win. Doing so is suitable, but additionally, that kind of feels beneficiant in rounds that have been just about toss-ups. And whereas this isn’t how fights are scored, I do imagine Ankalaev had the largest moments within the battle and thus he feels like a deserving winner, even when it’s form of a bummer since everybody loves “Poatan.”
Lee: In some way, it’s so.
As thrilling as Pereira’s run has been, and as deserving as he’s of all of the pound-for-pound reward he’s obtained, it’s completely potential Ankalaev has been the most effective gentle heavyweight on the planet this complete time. Have been it not for a disappointing title battle draw in opposition to Jan Blachowicz, and a pair of actually wasteful rematches with Johnny Walker and Ion Cutelaba, Ankalaev would have been put up in opposition to top-tier competitors extra continuously and possibly already be champion.
Nature has righted itself, although, and the person with the 14-fight unbeaten streak lastly has gold round his waist.
With reference to scoring, I had it 48-47 Pereira, however this was a subpar efficiency for Poatan, and Ankalaev labored his recreation plan to perfection. Fixed strain, masterful footwork, and, sure, well timed wrestling have been the keys to fixing the Pereira puzzle, and Ankalaev did simply sufficient to beat him to the end line.
Heck: I assume?
To be an open e-book, throughout the UFC 313 Watch Get together, I scored the battle 48-47 Pereira. I assumed Poatan very clearly gained the primary and fifth rounds, whereas Ankalaev acquired the second and fourth. All of it got here right down to the third spherical, which I scored for Pereira watching dwell. Whereas my rating of 10-9 Pereira stays within the re-watch, I actually perceive scoring it for Ankalaev, regardless of Pereira touchdown extra. Sure, there was a second the place Ankalaev landed clear, and the printed made it seem as if the shot led to a “stumble,” or Pereira was “harm,” but it surely gave the impression to be extra of a footing scenario than the rest.
Once more, if you happen to scored it for Ankalaev, it’s comprehensible and tremendous.
The larger takeaway from this battle upon the rewatch is that I put the lion’s share of the blame for the primary occasion not being tremendous enjoyable on Pereira. Very like I did within the aftermath of UFC 276, and the stinker between Israel Adesanya and Jared Cannonier, if one fighter goes handy the opposite a victory, you say “thanks” and run with it. Ankalaev did that, and kudos to him, even thought it was fairly clear Pereira didn’t have his fastball.
Martin: The suitable man gained, but it surely wasn’t a blowout by any means.
I had the battle scored 48-47 for Ankalaev, and I felt fairly good about that consequence when the battle was over, though it actually got here right down to spherical three for me. It was a reasonably even spherical for essentially the most half, however there was a late punch from Ankalaev that seemingly surprised Pereira momentarily, and that’s what finally swayed me to go for the Russian. Fact be informed, the one actually definitive spherical was the second when Ankalaev stumbled Pereira with that massive left hook, however with solely 15 seconds left to go, he couldn’t swarm an excessive amount of to go for the end.
It have to be famous that Pereira has nobody responsible however himself for the way in which the battle performed out. He allowed Ankalaev to continually put ahead strain on him with no repercussions. Exterior of these calf-kicks early within the battle, Pereira simply sat again and waited manner an excessive amount of, and he by no means actually threatened Ankalaev sufficient to again him off. He can complain concerning the clinch conditions and name it boring, however that’s a tactic in combined martial arts. If he can’t break away, or make Ankalaev pay for that transfer, that’s on Pereira and no person else.
3. The place does Justin Gaethje go from right here?
Lee: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev 2 was one other banger as anticipated. Sadly, the win additionally didn’t do a lot for Gaethje’s inventory, additionally as anticipated.
“The Spotlight” has the recognition, cachet, and firm approval to ease right into a title shot every time, but it surely makes simply as a lot sense to re-book the Dan Hooker battle or e-book him because the take a look at Arman Tsarukyan has to move to regain his No. 1 contender standing. There simply wasn’t quite a bit for Gaethje to achieve by beating Fiziev once more, as enjoyable because it was to observe.
I count on the Hooker bout to be arrange once more in a number of months after which we’ll revisit this query.
Heck: As I’ve been saying for a few years now, availability is your greatest buddy in at the moment’s UFC, and it couldn’t be extra true within the light-weight division. Whether or not it’s in opposition to Islam Makhachev, or any individual else, there’s a really actual world Gaethje fights for the light-weight title subsequent — I simply don’t assume he’ll.
It seems we’re on the trail in direction of a Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria matchup — except Jack Della Maddalena beats Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title at UFC 315 as a result of that modifications every part. However in a world the place every part is considerably regular, I’d be extremely fascinated by a Gaethje vs. Arman Tsarukyan battle. It might be an amazing take a look at for each guys, and the winner would have a close to simple case to battle for the hardest title to win in all of MMA.
If Makhachev does find yourself transferring as much as welterweight, the winner of that battle vs. Charles Oliveira for the vacant title could be enjoyable as hell.
Martin: Again to a different huge battle, and possibly one other bonus, however unlikely {that a} title shot awaits him subsequent.
It was really form of gorgeous to see how many individuals have been doubting Gaethje going into Saturday evening. Sure, he acquired flattened within the worst manner potential by Max Holloway at UFC 300, and there’s an actual world the place his chin getting cracked meant Gaethje wouldn’t be capable to take these punches any longer, however at the least give the man yet one more battle to see how that performs out. Not solely did he take Fiziev’s punches, however he dished out essentially the most punishing photographs all evening lengthy.
So far as what comes subsequent — Gaethje doesn’t placed on boring fights so his choices are limitless. My suggestion throughout UFC 313 was permitting Gaethje to welcome Ilia Topuria to light-weight to see if the previous 145-pound king is basically constructed for the larger division. Topuria is a savage, however he additionally acquired tuned up by Jai Herbert in his lone look at 155 kilos. In my humble opinion, he wants a win earlier than getting a shot at Makhachev. Beating Gaethje does the job, and it could be an enormous battle for so long as it lasted.
Meshew: Screw it, boys, let’s dwell just a little! Give Justin Gaethje a friggin’ title shot!
Look, I perceive all the causes not to let Gaethje battle for the belt once more, however have you ever thought-about this: don’t be such a dweeb. Gaethje is essentially the most thrilling fighter within the historical past of MMA. He has actually by no means been in a boring battle. Now he simply did the UFC a stable by taking a battle with immense threat, and 0 upside, and delivered the products as soon as once more. The UFC primarily did the identical factor for Dustin Poirier final yr and never a single individual was upset. Identical ideas are at play right here.
Plus, Gaethje was in line to get a light-weight title shot a yr in the past till the UFC screwed up its reserving schedule and wanted to place him vs. Max Holloway on UFC 300 as a result of the largest card in promotional historical past was in determined want of juice. In a world the place the UFC was higher at its job, Gaethje would have already fought Makhachev. Now we are able to get that world anyway.
But additionally, there’s no flawed method to eat this Reese’s. You may e-book Gaethje in opposition to a dime retailer model and he’d nonetheless make it Battle of the Evening. Hooker, Topuria, Tsarukyan, any of them are additionally tremendous. However I’m daring to dream.
4. Who’s the largest loser of UFC 313?
Lee: Dana White, although actually solely from a important standpoint.
There’s no manner round it, the championship scenario is a large number proper now outdoors of some divisions, and essentially the most thrilling titleholder simply misplaced his belt. His heavyweight champion is being choosy together with his meals, Ilia Topuria simply vacated the featherweight title, and Magomed Ankalaev, Merab Dvalishvili, Belal Muhammad, Valentina Shevchenko, and Zhang Weili all have types that aren’t essentially the most interesting to the informal fan, to place it kindly.
Don’t get me flawed, White and the UFC practice present no indicators of slowing down business-wise (prepare for UFC Des Moines to shatter U.S. gate information!), however there may be an simple lack of buzz across the product, which has to sting the ego just a little. Hopefully, Uncle Dana has sufficient spare a whole bunch mendacity round to absorb the tears.
Heck: Primarily based on Q score, it must be ESPN, and it’s not significantly shut.
When half of the UFC roster — previous and current — are blasting ESPN for it’s software not working after ordering the pay-per-view (some a number of occasions), that’s some terrible PR proper there. I had points, personally, with ESPN+ throughout the prelims. Happily, it fastened itself and I had no additional points.
However even throughout the Watch Get together, there have been A LOT of followers expressing their displeasure for ordering, and paying for the primary card, however weren’t in a position to watch it. And in a yr the place the UFC is negotiating its broadcast streaming and tv rights, it’s not an excellent take a look at all.
Martin: Fact be informed, Mr. Heck is right — ESPN took one on the chin on Saturday evening, however only for the sake of an alternative choice, let’s go together with Alex Pereira.
MMA is a merciless sport and all of the star energy and attraction can’t prevent from a nasty evening on the workplace. Pereira felt that on Saturday when he simply couldn’t get going in opposition to Ankalaev, and the tip consequence was a loss and the tip of his title reign. Now, Pereira didn’t get demolished and all indicators are pointing towards an instantaneous rematch. However prefer it or not, the notion of “Poatan” main into UFC 313 was that he was distracted after jet-setting to Australia just some weeks earlier than his battle to nook Sean Strickland and was merely not centered on essentially the most harmful opponent he confronted since transferring to 205 kilos.
That noise is barely going to get louder now that Pereira really misplaced, and the speak about him getting Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall is lifeless and buried. Add to that, his thirty eighth birthday is quick approaching in July, and the clock is ticking on him getting a number of extra huge fights in earlier than father time catches as much as him.
Meshew: I’m sorely tempted to go together with Magomed Ankalaev as a result of followers are furious about his win, however he did take dwelling the belt and that’s extra vital. So in gentle of that, I’m going with Jalin Turner.
I’m unsure there was an even bigger believer in Turner than I’ve been over the previous few years, however issues lastly got here to a head on Saturday evening. Not solely did Turner lose to Ignacio Bahamondes (his fourth loss in his previous 5 fights), however he did so badly. Turner has mountains of expertise, however typically makes large psychological errors, and this battle was no exception as he mainly put himself into the fight-ending triangle.
The loss was so deflating, that regardless of being simply 29 years outdated, Turner retired from MMA. He gave an emotional and revealing interview with Aaron Bronsteter after the battle the place he stated retirement has been on his thoughts for a very long time and easily doesn’t have the sport in him anymore.
Ultimately, it will most likely be greatest for Turner. As Dana White says, if you happen to’re fascinated with retirement in any respect, you must grasp up the gloves. Turner can transfer on to the following chapter of his life ,and I want him properly, however on Saturday he didn’t simply lose a battle, he misplaced his complete profession, so he’s the largest loser.
5. Exterior of the highest two fights, who was the hero of UFC 313?
Lee: Mauricio Ruffy.
“Hero” might be the flawed time period right here, as a result of as a society, we most likely shouldn’t be lionizing of us for kicking individuals within the head tremendous exhausting, but when face-planting somebody with a wheel kick out of nowhere is taken into account heroic conduct, then simply name Ruffy “Clark Kent” (he already has the glasses for it).
You hate to see King Inexperienced exit like that, however you like to see a rising star like Ruffy proceed to claim himself as one to observe in MMA’s deepest division. Identical to that, Ruffy has put himself on the listing of the UFC’s most must-see fighters, and contemplating he stole the present on a card the place Pereira and Gaethje additionally fought, that’s saying quite a bit.
Heck: Robert Glenn Lawler.
Congratulations to one of the crucial enjoyable and recreation fighters within the historical past of the game as he earns his well-deserved place within the UFC Corridor of Fame in just a little over three months’ time. I stated this on Saturday evening, and I’ll say it without end — particularly since there’s lots of newer followers hopping on board who’ve by no means seen him battle — when you have time, watch all you possibly can of Lawler’s fights, each out and in of the UFC.
Lawler’s title protection the place he without end broke Rory MacDonald at all times will get high billing, and that battle is spectacular, however the UFC 195 battle in opposition to Carlos Condit is perhaps the best MMA battle ever. And the way in which “Ruthless” ended his profession, chef’s kiss. What a legend!
Meshew: The apparent reply is Mauricio Ruffy (simply take a look at my dwell response), and the proper reply is Robbie Lawler, however I’m morally obligated to decide on Door Quantity 3: Do y’all keep in mind on Saturday when referee Mark Smith did the unthinkable and really deducted some extent from a fighter for breaking the foundations?!?!?!?!
I spend an inordinate period of time on this web site railing in opposition to the feckless ineptitude of MMA referees for by no means really imposing the foundations of MMA. I might be an asshole to not have a good time a referee when he does the suitable factor for as soon as. I don’t typically consider Mark Smith as an excellent referee, however he appropriately took some extent from Armen Petrosyan after a number of low blows and I used to be shocked and happy to see it occur.
It was particularly good to see Smith do his job as a result of in a while within the night, Jason Herzog — who I imagine is the most effective ref within the sport and is coming off an occasion the place he admits he ought to’ve taken some extent for fouls — allowed Rafael Fiziev to freely low blow Justin Gaethje with out doing something.
I don’t assume Mark Smith goes to save lots of refereeing, but it surely was nonetheless an oasis of cause within the in any other case barren wasteland of nonsensical refereeing ambivalence.
Martin: I’d like to provide you with a distinct reply, but it surely’s Mauricio Ruffy and his Knockout of the Yr contender after he lopped off King Inexperienced’s dome. To not duplicate what my esteemed colleague Alexander Okay. Lee already stated however Ruffy acquired the UFC 313 pay-per-view most important card off to a spectacular begin with a jaw-dropping knockout for the ages.
Ruffy actually did uncork that kick out of nowhere and the second was solely made that rather more dramatic when Inexperienced simply slumped face-first to the canvas to finish the battle. Visually, that was even higher than Terry Etim simply falling like a tree getting chopped down when he ate an analogous kick from Edson Barboza.
As tiresome because it will get listening to fighters pleading for a bonus, Ruffy’s end most likely did warrant a full $100,000 as a result of rattling.
