Recap: Lightweights Steal the Show in Co-Main Event at UFC 313

The UFC returned to Las Vegas tonight for another pay-per-view event, headlined by a Light Heavyweight Championship contest. It was the co-main event that stole the show however as two lightweight contenders put on an absolute show.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of the night and break down the three fights we looked at in our UFC 313 preview.

Prelim Highlights

Carlos Leal came into a bout against Alex Morono a -750 betting favorite, and it did not take him long to show why. Morono landed some big shots but Leal was the much cleaner and consistent striker, landing punches and knees to the body seemingly whenever he wanted. Morono showed some toughness but late in the first, Leal turned up the pressure and teed off on his opponent. The ref was forced to step in and stop the fight, giving Leal the win and a very impressive performance.

We had an interesting turn of events in a meeting between Bruno Ferreira and Armen Petrosyan. The two strikers exchanged blows throughout the first round but the story came from two low kicks from Petrosyan that landed on the groin of Ferreira. The referee wasted no time taking a point away from Petrosyan, which would put him a step behind on the scorecards. In the second, Ferreira seemed to be the more aggressive fighter, pushing the pace. He secured a takedown and eventually took Petrosyan’s back. A scramble looked as though it would allow Petrosyan to escape, but Ferreira quickly grabbed and arm and forced his opponent to tap to an armbar in seconds. It was an impressive submission victory for a man who is known for his knockout power.

Main Card Highlights

Mauricio Ruffy got the main card off to an incredibly hot start by scoring one of the most spectacular knockouts in UFC history against King Green. Ruffy’s unique movement was giving Green trouble right from the start and the striker found a home for several punches in the early going. After backing Green up again and again, Ruffy landed a beautiful wheel kick to the head and Green dropped instantly. There was no need for any follow up as it was a clear and clean knockout as soon as the kick landed. This was one of those unbelievable moments that you just never think you’ll see in a real fight. A performance like this earned Ruffy a lot of new fans and it will likely earn him a big fight his next time out.

Amanda Lemos and Iasmin Lucindo slowed things down a bit, getting into a grappling matchup. Lucindo was the much younger fighter and the betting favorite, but strength and octagon experience proved to me difference makers for Lemos. The UFC veteran seemed to have a striking advantage that forced Lucindo to try and grapple. However, Lemos got the better of the fight there as well and she grinded out a fairly one-sided decision victory.

Lightweight bout: Ignacio Bahamondes def. Jalin Turner

These two lightweights got after it early, getting into a wild exchange in the opening seconds. It was Turner who seemingly got the better of it, landing some strong shots before getting a takedown. Turner held the top position for some time and landed some good ground and pound. Eventually though, Bahamondes threw his legs up and caught Turner in a triangle choke. Turner tapped after just a few seconds, locking up a big win for Bahamondes.

My Pick: Turner via 3rd round submission

Result: Bahamondes via 1st round submission

Lightweight bout: Justin Gaethje def. Rafael Fiziev

In our preview, I called for this bout to have fight of the year potential and it did not disappoint. Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev wasted no time picking up right where they left off from their first meeting. Fiziev scored a surprising early takedown in the first round, getting the top position. It didn’t last long though as Gaethje scrambled back to his feet and they got back to trading wild exchanges. Fiziev took the first round thanks to that takedown but Gethje turned the tides in the second, landing a huge uppercut that dropped his opponent. In the third round, Fiziev seemingly started to fade as Gaethje kept his foot on the gas. Fiziev continued to put up a fight but Gaethje’s relentless pressure proved to be a difference maker as he went on to lock up a big decision victory for the second time against this opponent. He very well could be next in line for a title shot after this performance.

My Pick: Gaethje via decision

Result: Gaethje via decision

Light Heavyweight Championship bout: Magomed Ankalaev def. Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira brought that same familiar mystique with him to the octagon during his signature walkout for this main event against Magomed Ankalaev. Unfortunately, that did not quite carry into the fight as it usually does. The champ seemed to be more hesitant that usual and Anakalaev had him backing up for much of the fight. Pereira utilized calf kicks to do some damage to the challenger’s lead leg and the two traded some good punches. Ankalaev went to his grappling for much of the fight, forcing Pereira against the fence. He wasn’t able to do much damage there, but it seems it was enough for the judges to give him some of the closer rounds. Pereira landed some good shots in the fifth and final round, but the judges handed the championship to Ankalaev with a decision victory. It was a disappointing main event for a champion who is so often involved in very exciting fights. It seems likely Pereira will receive an immediate rematch.

My Pick: Pereira via 2nd round knockout

Result: Ankalaev via decision

The UFC will return to ESPN+ on Saturday, March 15 for UFC Fight Night: Vettori vs. Dolidze 2.