UFC 313 Results: Magomed Ankalaev defeats Alex Pereira to win the Title

LockerRoom Team

12 Mar 2025

Magomed Ankalaev captured the UFC light heavyweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Alex Pereira in the main event of UFC 313, held Sunday, March 9, at T-Mobile Arena.

Ankalaev, the division’s top-ranked contender, faced a strong start from Pereira, who landed early kicks before Ankalaev responded with powerful punches in the second round. The back-and-forth battle continued into the later rounds, with Ankalaev applying relentless pressure and Pereira countering with kicks. In the final frame, Ankalaev controlled more of the action against the cage, but Pereira’s takedown defense remained solid.

The judges scored the contest 49-46, 48-47, 48-47 in Ankalaev’s favor, crowning him the new champion.

"I can't even put it into words. It's been such a long way, and here's my dream: it's on my waist," Ankalaev said. "The plan was to pressure, pressure, pressure. My job was to make sure that I work as number one."

Gaethje Earns Decision Win Over Fiziev in Co-Main Event

In a highly anticipated rematch, Justin Gaethje defeated Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision in the lightweight co-main event. Fiziev started aggressively, landing sharp Muay Thai knees in the opening round. Gaethje responded in the second with a decisive uppercut that sent Fiziev to the canvas. The final round saw both fighters trading blows in a close contest, but Gaethje’s pressure and resilience secured him the victory with scores of 29-28, 29-28, 29-28.

"He really changed his tactics from the last fight," Gaethje said. "I had to come back. I had to show everybody that no matter how far down you are, it’s on you to get back on the horse."

Van Represents Asia with Win Over Tsuruya

Myanmar’s Joshua Van showcased his well-rounded MMA skills in a unanimous decision victory over Japan’s Rei Tsuruya, the undefeated ROAD TO UFC tournament winner. Despite Tsuruya’s wrestling expertise, Van’s superior boxing and fight IQ earned him the win, with all three judges scoring the bout 30-27.

Event Details and Bonuses

Attendance: 18,869
Gate Revenue: $10,100,308

Fight of the Night: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev
Performance of the Night: Ignacio Bahamondes, Mauricio Ruffy

Official Results

Main Card

• Magomed Ankalaev def. Alex Pereira – Unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
• Justin Gaethje def. Rafael Fiziev – Unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Ignacio Bahamondes def. Jalin Turner – Submission (triangle choke) at 2:29, Round 1
• Amanda Lemos def. Iasmin Lucindo – Unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Mauricio Ruffy def. King Green – KO (spinning wheel kick) at 2:07, Round 1

Preliminary Card

• Joshua Van def. Rei Tsuruya – Unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Brunno Ferreira def. Armen Petrosyan – Submission (armbar) at 4:27, Round 2
• Carlos Leal def. Alex Morono – TKO (strikes) at 4:16, Round 1
• Mairon Santos def. Francis Marshall – Split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
• Ozzy Diaz def. Djorden Santos – Unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Cancellations:

• Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev – Canceled due to illness
• John Castaneda vs. Chris Gutierrez – Canceled due to illness