UFC 313 Preview: Spotlight on the main and co-main events

UFC 313 is set to take place this weekend at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It promises to be electrifying, and it has two fixtures featuring some of the franchise’s finest on the card. The main event pits current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira against top contender Magomed Ankalaev, while the co-main event features a thrilling rematch between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev.

Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev meet each other for the first time. Pereira, a former Glory Middleweight Champion, has been on an insane streak, checking victories in multiple weight classes. His recent performances have positioned him as one of the finest strikers in MMA history.

Ankalaev, on the other hand, enters the bout as the underdog, boasting a strong grappling background that could prove disadvantageous for Pereira. Ankalaev’s ability to control fights on the ground could neutralize Pereira’s striking advantage, which could heat things up between the two.

UFC President Dana White has hinted that if Pereira emerges victorious, he could be considered the top pound-for-pound fighter in the organization. This also serves as motivation for Pereira to win. 

The co-main event features a highly anticipated rematch between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev. Gaethje was set to face Dan Hooker from the start, but Hooker’s withdrawal due to a hand injury led to Fiziev stepping in as a late replacement. This bout marks a rematch of their encounter at UFC 286 in March 2023, where Gaethje won by majority decision.

Gaethje is a former interim UFC Lightweight Champion who rose to the top for being able to withstand intense battles. His recent knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, however, raises questions about how long he can stand at 36 years old. He cannot afford another loss as he seeks to reclaim his standing in the lightweight division.

Fiziev has not competed since suffering a knee injury in September 2023. He enters this match looking to avenge his previous loss to Gaethje. There are some concerns about his surgically repaired knee, but Fiziev’s speed and power make him a worthy opponent.