UFC 313 Outcomes: Ankalaev takes gentle heavyweight belt off Pereira; Gaethje wins ‘Battle of the Night time’

Magomed Ankalaev scored a surprising upset over Alex Pereira to win the undisputed gentle heavyweight title in UFC 313. The Russian MMA star’s plan was to repeatedly construct strain on his Brazilian opponent, and his technique finally paid off on Saturday.

“I can’t even put it into phrases,” Ankalaev stated within the ring throughout the post-fight interview by a translator. “It’s been such a good distance, and it’s my dream. It’s on my waist.”

All three judges scored in favor of Ankalaev (21-1-1), with scores of 49-46 and two at 48-47.

Ankalaev was by no means intimidated by his well-decorated opponent, even after enduring a barrage of leg kicks within the first spherical.

Quite than play issues cautiously, Ankalaev went on the offensive and stayed aggressive in backing down Pereira whereas utilizing an overwhelming left hand that continued to stagger UFC’s high energetic star.

Bruce Buffer’s announcement with the outcome propelled a refrain of boos from the pro-Pereira crowd.

The second he is been ready for! 👏@AnkalaevM is the NEW Gentle Heavyweight Champion! #UFC313 pic.twitter.com/l4rtlMY8ba

— UFC (@ufc) March 9, 2025

“I knew it will be a struggle,” stated Pereira (12-3-0), who was placing his belt on the road for the fourth time. “Each struggle of mine is a struggle.”

Pereira (12-2), who turns 38 on July 7, closed -120 at BetMGM Sportsbook.

As shut because the struggle was, UFC President and CEO Dana White had one phrase when requested a couple of potential rematch: “Most likely.”

Gaethje earns unanimous victory over Fiziev

Within the co-main occasion, the No. 3-ranked light-weight and fan favourite Justin Gaethje (27-5-0) earned a unanimous choice over No. 11 Rafael Fiziev (12-4-0) in what was tabbed “ Battle of the Night time.” Gaethje was scheduled to struggle Dan Hooker, who pulled out due to a hand harm. Gatheje dropped Fiziev with a stiff proper uppercut within the second spherical.

Light-weight Ignacio Bahamondes (17-5-0) earned a first-round win when he made Jalin Turner (14-9-0) faucet after administering a triangle choke on the 2:29 mark. Turner left the cage and waited in entrance of press row for Bahamondes to complete his interview, desiring to return to the cage to depart his gloves and signify his retirement. Safety wouldn’t let him return, nonetheless.

No. 5 strawweight contender Amanda Lemos improved to 15-4-1 with a unanimous choice over seventh-ranked Iasmin Lucindo (17-6-0).

Mauricio Ruffy (12-1-0) delivered a spinning heel kick along with his proper foot to the temple of King Inexperienced (32-17-1) to attain a vicious knockout simply 2:07 into the primary spherical of their light-weight bout.

Simply after Ruffy’s knockout kick and earlier than the ladies’s bout, a tribute video for Robbie Lawler performed in honor of the previous welterweight champion. Watching cageside, an emotional Lawler obtained a standing ovation because it was introduced he could be inducted into the UFC Corridor of Fame’s Fashionable Wing as a member of the Class of 2025. The ceremony will happen as a part of the thirteenth Annual UFC Worldwide Battle Week on June 26.

An icon for fighters and struggle followers in all places 🫡

THANK YOU @Ruthless_RL! Welcome to the #UFCHOF 🤝 | #UFC313 pic.twitter.com/98AHoX9Cvi

— UFC (@ufc) March 9, 2025

“Robbie was an absolute killer, and I’ve a ton of respect for his toughness and his preventing model, which helped develop the game of MMA and UFC by attracting a number of new followers,” UFC president and CEO White stated in an announcement.

UFC 313 Outcomes:

— Mogamed Ankalaev def. Alex Pereira by way of unanimous choice (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)

— Justin Gaethje def. Rafael Fiziev by way of unanimous choice (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

— Ignacio Bahamondes def. Jalin Turner by way of submission (triangle choke) in R1

— Amanda Lemos def. Iasmin Lucindo by way of unanimous choice (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

— Mauricio Ruffy def. King Inexperienced by way of KO (spinning wheel kick) in R1

— Joshua Van def. Rei Tsuruya by way of unanimous choice (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

— Brunno Ferreira def. Armen Petrosyan by way of submission (armbar) in R2

— Carlos Leal def. Alex Morono by way of TKO (strikes) in R1

— Mairon Santos def. Francis Marshall by way of cut up choice (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

— Ozzy Diaz def. Djorden Santos by way of unanimous choice (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

With AP inputs