UFC 313 Breakdown: Ankalaev’s Upset, Gaethje’s Redemption & More

Welcome to our in-depth look at UFC 313. In this episode, our hosts—Dave Simon, Fred Garcia, and AJ D’Alesio—shared their live views on the fights as the main card entered the octagon. The discussion covered every angle, from title-changing moments to standout performances and controversial decisions. Fans watching live on YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, and Kick added their own thoughts, making the night a complete experience. Watch the replay of the episode or listen to the audio podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And don’t forget to become a channel member by visiting https://membership.ringsidereport.net. Also, join us on Saturday, May 8th at around 10 PM Eastern for our next watch along as the main card enters the octagon—why watch alone?

Below, we break down each fight with detailed commentary from our hosts and audience reactions.

UFC 313 Light Heavyweight Title Showdown: Magomed Ankalaev Upsets Alex Pereira

Magomed Ankalaev Clinches the Light Heavyweight Crown

The main event set the tone for the evening. Magomed Ankalaev delivered a strategic performance against Alex Pereira, capturing the light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision. Our hosts were quick to highlight the significance of this upset.

Dave Simon: “Magomed Ankalaev delivered a masterclass tonight.”
Fred Garcia: “Alex Pereira’s reign is over with that unanimous decision.”
AJ D’Alesio: “The strategy was pure pressure; we saw a new champion born.”

The lights in the arena seemed to shine extra bright as Magomed Ankalaev outworked champion Alex Pereira over five rounds. The hosts agreed that the decisive victory, secured by a smart, pressure-filled approach, marks a turning point in the light heavyweight division. Fans were quick to express their excitement, with one viewer, , exclaiming, “What a performance by Ankalaev, unbelievable!” Another, , added, “Pereira looked lost; this is a turning point for the division.”

Support the Ringside Report Network

This win not only ends Pereira’s dominant run but also paves the way for a potential rematch or fresh matchups. The future now holds several possibilities—Ankalaev could face previous champions like Jiri Prochazka or even a rematch with Pereira, who remains a threat in the division. The hosts believe the UFC will keep a close eye on contender matchups, ensuring the new champion gets the best path forward.

Dave Simon: “Ankalaev’s pressure and smart strategy were the keys tonight. This win could reshape the title picture.”

Fred Garcia: “Pereira had dominated for a while, but tonight, he just couldn’t keep up with the consistent attack.”

AJ D’Alesio: “You could see the crowd’s excitement when the decision was announced. It’s a major turning point for the division.”

The viewing audience chimed in with excitement:

• Fan1: “Ankalaev is the future of the division!”
• Fan2: “That fight might be the best of the night. Big respect to both fighters.”

With Pereira’s dominant title reign now over, the light heavyweight landscape is set for a shake-up. There is talk of a possible rematch, as Pereira has been a three-time title defender by knockout. Future matchups could include a return bout between Pereira and Ankalaev, or the champion might face contenders like Jiri Prochazka or Jamahal Hill as he looks to prove his new status. The hosts agreed that this win could also mark the emergence of fresh contenders in a division that has seen a lot of turnover in recent years.

UFC 313 Lightweight Intensity: Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev

Gaethje Edges Fiziev in a High-Paced Battle

In the co-main event, Justin Gaethje took on Rafael Fiziev in a high-intensity lightweight bout. Gaethje secured a unanimous decision victory after a striking battle that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

Dave Simon: “Gaethje’s performance tonight puts him right back in the title mix. He showed great endurance and explosive power.”

Fred Garcia: “After that last-second upset loss last year, this win restores his credibility and keeps his name at the top of the division.”

AJ D’Alesio: “The way he managed the rounds, especially with that knockdown in round two, was very impressive.”

Audience reactions reflected the excitement of the night:

• Fan3: “Gaethje deserves a title shot. This fight was amazing!”
• Fan4: “What a performance! He proved he’s still one of the best.”

The victory is seen as a clear statement. Gaethje has now bounced back, and many fans expect a potential matchup with reigning champion Islam Makhachev or even a high-profile bout against a familiar opponent like Max Holloway if the UFC grants him a title shot soon.

Brightest moments on the biggest stage 🤩@JaulaBahamondes & @RuffyMMA each earn $50K for their performances tonight!

[ B2YB: @PrimeHydrate | #UFC313 ] pic.twitter.com/GTYTqST7R8

— UFC (@ufc) March 9, 2025

UFC 313 Lightweight Submissions: Ignacio Bahamondes vs Jalin Turner

Bahamondes Secures a Quick Finish with a Triangle Choke

Another key fight on the main card was the lightweight matchup between Ignacio Bahamondes and Jalin Turner. Bahamondes won by submitting Turner with a triangle choke in the first round.

Dave Simon: “That submission was textbook. Bahamondes showed excellent technique to finish Turner so quickly.”

Fred Garcia: “Turner is a tough fighter, but tonight, Bahamondes proved he has the skills to take on anyone in the division.”

AJ D’Alesio: “This win really boosts Bahamondes’ status. It’s a big statement coming from such a young talent.”

The live chat was abuzz with opinions:

• Fan5: “What a finish! Bahamondes is going to be a real name to watch now.”
• Fan6: “Turner has to learn from this. The technique was just too smooth tonight.”

With this win, Bahamondes could be moving up the lightweight rankings quickly. Next steps might include a bout against a ranked opponent like Mateusz Gamrot or Diego Ferreira, which would test his skills further and position him as a top contender in the division.

UFC 313 Women’s Strawweight Spotlight: Amanda Lemos vs Iasmin Lucindo

Lemos Reasserts Herself in a Decisive Victory

In the women’s strawweight division, Amanda Lemos delivered a strong performance against Iasmin Lucindo, winning by unanimous decision. The fight was a clear demonstration of Lemos’ experience and skill.

Dave Simon: “Lemos looked calm and composed throughout. Her veteran instincts were on full display tonight.”

Fred Garcia: “Lucindo was promising but just couldn’t match the pressure Lemos applied all night.”

AJ D’Alesio: “This win puts Lemos back in the conversation for a title shot. She’s shown that she’s still one of the best in the division.”

Audience feedback highlighted the significance of the win:

• Fan7: “Lemos is back! That decision win shows she still has what it takes to be at the top.”
• Fan8: “Lucindo will bounce back, but Lemos was the clear favorite tonight.”

Amanda Lemos now looks to secure another big win to solidify her place in the title picture. Potential next matchups could involve eliminator bouts against top contenders like Yan Xiaonan or Tatiana Suarez. The hosts agreed that Lemos’ experience gives her a distinct edge in any future bout.

UFC 313 Highlight Reel KO: Maurício Ruffy vs King Green

Ruffy Delivers a Spectacular Spinning Wheel Kick Knockout

Maurício Ruffy lit up the octagon with a spinning wheel kick that knocked out veteran King Green in just over two minutes of the first round. This knockout immediately earned Ruffy a Performance of the Night bonus and caught the attention of everyone watching.

Dave Simon: “That spinning wheel kick was something you don’t see every day. Ruffy is a knockout artist in the making.”

Fred Garcia: “At 28, he’s showing what a future star in the lightweight division looks like. That KO was highlight-reel quality.”

AJ D’Alesio: “He has 11 knockouts in 12 wins now. This fight proves that he’s ready for a step up in competition.”

Ignacio Bahamondes’ Submission Surprise

Dave Simon: “Ignacio Bahamondes showed great skill with that triangle choke.”
Fred Garcia: “A Performance of the Night bonus was well-deserved for Bahamondes.”
AJ D’Alesio: “This upset win shakes up the lightweight rankings.”

Fans flooded the chat:

• Fan9: “Ruffy’s KO could be one of the best of the year. He’s a must-watch prospect!”
• Fan10: “This was an incredible finish. Ruffy is set to become a big name in the UFC.”

The fight has now put Ruffy on the radar for bigger challenges. His next bout could be against a ranked opponent such as Dan Hooker when he returns from injury or another established name in the lightweight division. The hosts believe that the UFC will give him a prominent slot on a future main card.

UFC 313 Rising Flyweight Star: Joshua Van vs Rei Tsuruya

Van Dominates to Establish Himself as a Top Prospect

In the preliminary card, the flyweight division saw Joshua Van win by unanimous decision over Rei Tsuruya. At only 22 years old, Van’s performance was mature and well-rounded.

Dave Simon: “Van showed a clear understanding of distance and timing. That decision win puts him in the spotlight.”

Fred Garcia: “He’s unbeaten in the UFC now. This is a statement win for a rising star.”

AJ D’Alesio: “The way he controlled the fight was impressive. We’re going to see a lot more of him soon.”

Audience members agreed:

• Fan11: “Van is going to be a future champion if he keeps this up.”
• Fan12: “Great job, Van! That was a very smart fight.”

This win not only boosts Van’s record but also cements him as a fighter to watch in the flyweight division. His next bout might be against a veteran from the back end of the top 15, helping him adjust to tougher competition and potentially accelerate his rise in the rankings.

UFC 313 Middleweight Prospect: Brunno Ferreira vs Armen Petrosyan

Ferreira’s Submission Victory Shows New Talent in Middleweight

Brunno Ferreira, nicknamed “The Hulk,” continued his unbeaten run with a second-round submission win over Armen Petrosyan. Ferreira’s triangle armbar finished the fight and underscored his growing skills in the middleweight division.

Dave Simon: “Ferreira showed that he’s not just a knockout artist but also skilled on the ground. That submission was very technical.”

Fred Garcia: “Ferreira is the future of the middleweight division. Petrosyan is known for his striking, but Ferreira’s ability to switch to grappling was the difference tonight.”

AJ D’Alesio: ” That triangle armbar sealed the deal for Ferreira. At 30, Ferreira is hitting his prime. This win could push him into matchups with ranked opponents very soon.”

The audience added their thoughts:

• Fan 13: “Ferreira is a real prospect. He’s perfect at 12-0 and looks unstoppable right now.”
• Fan 14: “Petrosyan will have to work on his ground game after that finish.”

Ferreira’s win may lead him to a fight with other middleweight contenders such as Chris Curtis or Andre Muniz. The hosts noted that while he is not in the title picture yet, another couple of wins could change that rapidly.

Petrosyan’s Setback

While Armen Petrosyan has shown flashes of potential, his loss by submission raises questions about his ground defense. The hosts agreed that this defeat could force Petrosyan to re-evaluate his strategy. Fans expect him to take a step back and possibly face a striker to rebuild confidence before attempting to climb back up the rankings.

UFC 313 Welterweight Statement: Carlos Leal vs Alex Morono

Leal Makes a Bold Entrance with a First-Round TKO

On the preliminary card, Carlos Leal announced his arrival in the welterweight division with a first-round TKO win over veteran Alex Morono. The stoppage came at 4:16 of the first round and left many in awe of Leal’s striking power.

Carlos Leal announced himself in the welterweight division by dispatching veteran Alex Morono with a TKO in the first round. The Brazilian fighter’s power and precision left little doubt about his potential. PunchDrunk, a lively audience member, commented, “Leal’s power was a statement; Morono couldn’t keep up.”

Morono, known for his durability, now faces the challenge of bouncing back after this early exit. His role as a gatekeeper remains intact, but this loss might force him into a period of regrouping. The hosts see Leal as a fighter who could soon push into higher ranks if he continues to impress.

Dave Simon: ” Carlos Leal came out strong with that first-round TKO. Leal’s performance was quick and powerful. He caught Morono off guard from the start.”

Fred Garcia: ” Alex Morono was overwhelmed; this loss might reset his career. Morono is a tough opponent, and to see him finish so quickly shows that Leal is here to make an impact.”

AJ D’Alesio: ” Leal is a dark horse in the welterweight division now. This win sets the stage for Leal’s rise. Expect him to face tougher competition very soon.”

Audience reactions were enthusiastic:

• Fan 15: “Leal is the real deal. That TKO was hard to watch!”
• Fan 16: “Great debut in the UFC. Leal will be a tough test for anyone in the welterweight division.”

With this win, Leal could soon face opponents like Michel Pereira, Neil Magny, or Michael Chiesa. His performance has already begun to alter the dynamics in a division that is always looking for the next big contender.

Flyweight Future: Joshua Van’s Commanding Win

Dave Simon: “Joshua Van showed precision and control to secure a unanimous win.”
Fred Garcia: “At just 22, Van is already making a big impact in the flyweight division.”
AJ D’Alesio: “This win sets him up for a strong future; expect big things from him.”

In the flyweight division, Joshua Van dominated his opponent, Rei Tsuruya, with a unanimous decision. The young fighter’s fast striking and timely takedowns impressed everyone watching.

Van’s performance paves the way for future bouts against more established names. With the flyweight division evolving quickly, his precise technique and youthful energy could soon propel him into title contention discussions.

UFC 313 Featherweight Controversy: Mairon Santos vs Francis Marshall

Split Decision Sparks Debate Among Fans and Experts

A featherweight prelim sparked controversy when Mairon Santos edged out Francis Marshall by a split decision. The judges’ scorecards, with one marking the bout 30-27 for Marshall, ignited fierce debates both in the arena and online.

The contentious decision has many calling for an immediate rematch to settle the score. With both fighters being young prospects, a definitive win could clear any lingering doubts and set their careers on a clear path forward.

Dave Simon: “The split decision in the featherweight bout has left us questioning the scoring. There were clear moments when Marshall controlled the action. This decision feels very off.”

Fred Garcia: “The crowd feels this was a clear robbery. The split decision is causing a lot of debate. Many believe Marshall did enough to earn the win.”

AJ D’Alesio: “There might be a rematch if the outcry continues. Social media blew up after this result. Even a veteran like Henry Cejudo tweeted, “The fix is in!”, and Michael Chiesa called it “awful”.”

Audience feedback was strong:

• Fan 17: “That decision was a robbery. Marshall was the better fighter all night.”
• Fan 18: “I don’t know what happened with the scoring. The fight was close, but Marshall clearly deserved more.”

The controversial nature of the decision has sparked calls for a rematch. With both fighters still young, a run-of-the-mill immediate rematch could settle the score and restore confidence in the judging process. The hosts agreed that this fight highlights ongoing issues with MMA judging that could lead to changes in scoring criteria in the future.

Ramifications and What’s Next for the UFC After UFC 313

Championship Shifts, New Contenders, and Future Matchups

Each fight at UFC 313 carries its own impact on the organization’s future. The light heavyweight title change with Magomed Ankalaev’s victory means that the division will see fresh matchups and possible rematches. As Pereira processes this setback, there is a real possibility of a rematch or new challenges from other top contenders such as Jiri Prochazka or Jamahal Hill.

In the lightweight division, Justin Gaethje’s win reestablishes him as a top contender after his previous setback. This victory could set the stage for a title shot against Islam Makhachev or a big-name fight against Max Holloway or Dustin Poirier. Simultaneously, the impressive knockout by Maurício Ruffy signals that the UFC is ready to embrace rising stars with explosive power and unique striking abilities.

The win by Ignacio Bahamondes, through his swift triangle choke, opens up the lightweight division even further. It provides him a chance to move higher in the rankings and possibly secure a bout against a well-known striker. The viewing audience and hosts alike stressed that these wins are not just individual victories but also signifiers of shifting dynamics across the UFC.

In the women’s strawweight division, Amanda Lemos’ clear decision win helps her regain a spot among the top contenders. Her performance, combined with the upcoming potential rematches and eliminator bouts, means that the division could see another title fight sooner rather than later. Lemos’ win is a clear statement that experience still counts in a division full of emerging talent.

The preliminary card also delivered important messages. Joshua Van’s dominant win in the flyweight division suggests that the next generation of fighters is ready to step up. Brunno Ferreira’s win in the middleweight division is a clear sign that new prospects are emerging to challenge established names. Meanwhile, Carlos Leal’s TKO win in the welterweight division has already created buzz and set him up as a fighter to watch.

The controversial featherweight decision between Mairon Santos and Francis Marshall is a reminder that the scoring system in MMA still faces challenges. The heated debate among fans and experts, with comments like “The fix is in!” and “awful”, may pressure the UFC and athletic commissions to reexamine their judging criteria. This could have long-lasting effects on how future fights are scored and how fighters approach their matches.

Looking ahead, UFC matchmakers now have a lot to consider. Each win and loss is reshaping the ranking system and forcing adjustments in the title picture across various divisions. From a business standpoint, the technical issues and judging controversies could influence future pay-per-view events and broadcast deals. The outcome of UFC 313 is likely to be remembered as a pivotal moment that impacted not only the fighters but also the overall structure of the UFC.

As the UFC continues to evolve, fans can expect more exciting matchups and storylines. The fallout from this event will lead to new opportunities for fighters who have now proven themselves as rising contenders. The discussions from our live episode clearly indicated that every result at UFC 313 will influence upcoming fights, contender rankings, and even the UFC’s broadcast strategy.

Calls to Action

Don’t miss our next watch along—join us on Saturday, May 8th at around 10 PM Eastern as the main card enters the octagon. Watch the replay on YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, or Kick. Also, consider becoming a channel member at https://membership.ringsidereport.net to support our work and get exclusive content.

UFC 313 Conclusion

UFC 313 has proven to be a night of significant shifts and standout performances. With new champions crowned and emerging stars making their mark, the event sets up an exciting road ahead for the UFC. From the strategic win by Magomed Ankalaev to the explosive knockout by Maurício Ruffy and even the controversial featherweight decision, every fight has added a new layer to the UFC narrative. Stay tuned for more updates as the fallout from UFC 313 shapes the future of mixed martial arts.