Matches To Make After UFC 313

UFC 313: Gaethje v Fiziev — Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

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UFC 313 went down last night (Sat., March 8, 2025) inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, which saw Magomed Ankalaev defeat Alex Pereira via a lackluster unanimous decision, all while capturing the Light Heavyweight title (see it again here). In the co-main event of the evening, Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev, put on a show which resulted in “Highlight” getting another win over “Ataman” via decision (highlights).

Winner: Magomed Ankalaev

Who He Should Face Next: Alex Pereira rematch

Ankalaev’s win over Pereira wasn’t exactly dominant, and UFC CEO, Dana White, has already hinted at setting up an immediate rematch between the two men. After all, if Pereira — who has won belts in two divisions, and saved the promotion in a pinch — doesn’t deserve an instant do-over, then who does?

Winner: Justin Gaethje

Who He Should Face Next: Arman Tsarukyan

Tsarukyan was in line to challenge Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound title before a bad back bounced him from the fight, and Dana White has stated that Tsarukyan would not be next in line after he withdrew. Ilia Topuria is teasing a big fight for his first challenge at 155 pounds, though it’s not clear if it’s Makhachev — but it very well could be. While Gaethje and the champ throwing down would be great, I still feel “Highlight” has to win one more fight before he gets a shot at the title, so why not let him fight the No. 1 ranked fighter in the division to see what’s what?

Winner: Ignacio Bahamondes

Who He Should Face Next: Grant Dawson

Bahamondes secured his third straight stoppage win after making quick work of Jalin Turner — and then forcing his retirement — putting him in great position to make a case of the Top 15. If he doesn’t get in this week, perhaps a victory over Grant Dawson would do the trick. I would have like a fight against Benoit Saint Denis — who is ranked No. 15 — but he is on a two-fight losing streak. As for Dawson, he is ranked No. 14 and has won three straight, as well.

Winner: Amanda Lemos

Who She Should Face Next: Tatiana Suarez

Lemos secured a big win over Iasmn Lucindo, firmly keeping her cemented in the Top 5. She has a loss to Virna Jandiroba (No. 3), who is in line to face Yan Xiaonan (No. 1), while Jessica Andrade (No. 4) is in line to face Jasmine Jasudavicius and is constantly moving from Flyweight to Strawweight. That only leaves Suarez as the best option in the Top 5. Suarez is coming off a loss to division champion, Weili Zhang, so it would be a great bounce back fight for her, as well.

Winner: Mauricio Ruffy

Who He Should Face Next: Hernandez vs. Holobaugh winner

Ruffy had one of the most impressive finishes of the night, ending King Green’s night with a spinning wheel kick that put him out cold (see it again here). With his win streak up to seven in a row, The FIght Nerd-team member is well on his way to making an impact on the Lightweight division in speedy fashion. Ruffy is an exciting prospect that has all of the makings of a future star. I wouldn’t mind seeing him face off against the winner of the upcoming 155-pound scrap between Alexander Hernandez and Kurt Holobaugh, which is set to go down next week in “Sin City.”

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