The light heavy weight crown has a new king as Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira in the main event, while Justin Gaethje defeated Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision in the co main event. UFC 313 took over at T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas where the action did not disappoint! Fighters showed out in style and definitely put up a show for the audience.  

MAIN EVENT (Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira) 

Magomed has not lost a fight since March of 2018 and still kept his title undefeated after dominating Pereira. Although Alex might have taken the first round, when he came out attacking with low kicks, battering Anakalea’s cuff, Ankalaev took control of the rest of the fight showing more power and control through wrestling. Alex seemed to have been forced to have delivered a little bit of laziness and had to defend more than Strick.  

Coming out a lot more confident into the second round, Ankalaev Delivered sharp punches, wobbling Alex along the fence just before the end of the round. Round 3 was the slowest round of the fight as both fighters did not seem to have much output but somewhat nicking few jabs here and there. Ankalaev changed his fight plan in round 4 incorporating more of his grappling tactics. The fight was still close although Alex seemed to be bit more fatigued towards the end of the fight. Being the fan favorite, some people argued this decision saying the former champion should have taken the title. It will be of no surprise if the fighters both agree with no hesitation to run it back later in the year. All in the fight was a close call and went down to Octagon Control, Technic, successful strikes which seemed to all favor Ankalaev. It seemed Alex finally found his match not to downplay his previous opponents. One that could take his shots and still hurt him back and with just as much power as the Brazilian fighter. 

CO MAIN EVENT (Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fziev) 

This fight was the fighters’ second encounter as the two have met in a setting like this in London. A brilliant fight from start to finish. Both beautiful stickers with great technique. Just like it played out in their first encounter, Fiziev started the fight throwing a big hit, which threw Justin to the canvas twice, having his head locked in between his legs throwing nasty body shots right before an exchange between the two fighters with Rafael still getting the upper hand and Justin trying to find the space to maintain momentum, composure and balance. Gaethje started to get back in the fight, working to his opponent’s body before throwing an uppercut, putting Fiziev  to the floor in guard. Both fighters exchanged beautiful shots although Fiziev started to slow down halfway through the third round. Justin started to put more damage and attacked Fiziev, dominating the round and winning by unanimous decision. For a man that took the fight on 12 days’ notice Fiziev put up a great fight. Justin, however, showed that he still has the energy and flexibility to fight and still has the chin considering that he got knocked in his last fight against Max Holloway. Justin took the test and answered people’s doubts with a clear solid victory.