UFC 313 is now solely a few days away, and what higher approach to get hyped for the upcoming pay-per-view than with some MMA Information employees predictions?
The occasion will likely be accessible solely on ESPN+ pay-per-view on Saturday, March 8. The primary card begins at 10 PM ET, whereas the preliminary card kicks off at 6:30 PM ET.
The primary occasion will see gentle heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira defend his title for the fourth time since capturing it on the expense of Jiří Procházka 16 months in the past. To proceed his reign, “Poatan” is tasked with spoiling the ambitions of high contender Magomed Ankalaev.
Co-headlining will likely be former interim light-weight champion Justin Gaethje, who will look to bounce again from his brutal knockout loss to Max Holloway final April by as soon as once more getting the higher of hanging specialist Rafael Fiziev.
Elsewhere on the cardboard, entertaining lightweights Jalin Turner and Ignacio Bahamondes collide, ex-strawweight title challenger Amanda Lemos appears to halt up-and-coming Iasmin Lucindo’s rise, and Preventing Nerds standout Mauricio Ruffy meets King Inexperienced.
UFC 313: MMA Information Employees Predictions
Forward of Saturday’s UFC 313 occasion, Thomas Albano, Ryan Jarrell, Pranav Pandey, and Aakrit Sharma have supplied their picks for the 5 matchups set for the principle card.
Under, you possibly can take a look at the present leaderboard by way of two playing cards in 2025.
Thomas Albano (6-2) & Pranav Pandey (6-2)
Ryan Jarrell (4-4) & Aakrit Sharma (4-4)
And with that, it’s time for the workforce’s predictions for UFC 313.
Light-weight: King Inexperienced vs. Mauricio Ruffy
Thomas Albano: I need to commend King Inexperienced for the run and wins that he continues to have all these years later within the UFC – on the age of 38. However it is a downside struggle for him. Mauricio Ruffy and the Preventing Nerds have been the most important names to observe for this yr within the UFC. The workforce dominated the scene in 2024 and continues to rack up wins and recognition. Ruffy is a harmful finisher who can provide Inexperienced, who has ending capacity and energy in his personal proper, bother. Somebody on the Preventing Nerds must be UFC champion inside these subsequent couple of years. Mark my phrases. (Prediction: Mauricio Ruffy)
Ryan Jarrell: I’ve all the time been a giant fan of Inexperienced’s fan-friendly combating model. He all the time involves struggle, even when it will get him right into a little bit of bother. Sooner or later, Father Time catches as much as us all, and I feel that point is getting very shut for the 26-fight UFC veteran. Ruffy is simply 28 years outdated and is coming into this struggle with a ton of momentum and confidence. If he fights sensible and doesn’t get dragged right into a canine struggle, then it’s his struggle to lose. Give me the younger lion to kick off the PPV card with a win. (Prediction: Mauricio Ruffy)
Pranav Pandey: This appears like a brutal project for the American, and I can’t assist however suppose the matchmakers did him no favors with this one. Inexperienced brings swagger to the cage, pairing it with a slick boxing recreation, however he’s up towards a relentless younger menace with a knack for ending fights. Ruffy’s surge is plain, and underestimating him could be a mistake. He’s received the ability, elite grappling, and a killer intuition to make this a nightmare for Inexperienced — and I wouldn’t be stunned if he provides one other stoppage to his file. (Prediction: Mauricio Ruffy)
Aakrit Sharma: Ruffy’s final win towards James Llontop was an excellent showcase of his hanging. He has one more sturdy opponent in Inexperienced, who wouldn’t thoughts a standup battle for 3 rounds. The light-weight veteran seemed spectacular towards Jim Miller, however he’s began to wrestle towards up-and-coming expertise or explosive strikers comparable to Paddy Pimblett, Jalin Turner, and Drew Dober. At 38 years outdated, I’m not anticipating him to get any higher skill-wise, and at UFC 313, he’s possible getting used to push Ruffy up the rankings and assist the McGregor-esque striker grow to be an even bigger draw.
All issues thought-about, this must be a straightforward win for the Brazilian at UFC 313, and I don’t suppose Inexperienced’s floor recreation is threatening sufficient to tug off a submission upset. (Prediction: Mauricio Ruffy)
Consensus: 4-0 Mauricio Ruffy
Girls’s Strawweight: Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo
Thomas Albano: Amanda Lemos goes to search for a wanted bounce-back victory at UFC 313 after getting submitted by Virna Jandiroba in what some would possibly contemplate an upset. Lemos continues to be a high title at 115 kilos however has now misplaced two of three, which incorporates an unsuccessful problem of champion Weili Zhang. Iasmin Lucindo misplaced her UFC debut however has since received 4 straight, which incorporates wins over Polyana Viana, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, and Marina Rodriguez. A win over Lemos would vault her proper into one of many names to think about as a high contender.
That is the expertise vs. youth battle, and Lucindo might be able to battle for management in grappling conditions towards Lemos. The previous title challenger, nonetheless, has energy that Lucindo has not come throughout earlier than, and that might spell bother for the 23-year-old. (Prediction: Amanda Lemos)
Ryan Jarrell: Within the struggle recreation, the younger normally eats the outdated. In line with the percentages, that’s what might occur right here. However Lemos nonetheless has a lot left within the tank so far as I’m involved. Sure, she was caught by Jandiroba in her most up-to-date struggle. However outdoors of that, she’s into misplaced to Weili and Jéssica Andrade. I simply don’t suppose she is finished simply but. Give me the veteran to carry off the charging teen and win a call. (Prediction: Amanda Lemos)
Pranav Pandey: The all-Brazilian duel I by no means knew I wanted. Lemos, the seasoned veteran, undoubtedly holds the sting in expertise, however the scales appear tilted towards her on this matchup. The previous title challenger is up towards a youthful, hungrier opponent with heavier fingers, slicker grappling, and a rising popularity for dismantling strawweight veterans. If Lucindo can dictate the tempo, I imagine she’ll take management and make this struggle her personal. (Prediction: Iasmin Lucindo)
Aakrit Sharma: That is one other veteran vs. newcomer matchup within the UFC ladies’s strawweight division. To be honest, it’s laborious to choose who will favor the 14-year age hole extra. Whereas Lucindo, 23, has the potential to point out up higher with each new struggle, Lemos has already confronted the highest rivals of the division and has spectacular wins over the likes of Mackenzie Dern and Angela Hill. Lucindo is an plain prospect with a brilliant future forward of her. Nevertheless, after her final struggle, I concluded that her time to seize or struggle for the title continues to be far, and he or she wants to enhance her hanging considerably.
Even when she wins this weekend at UFC 313, she’ll be closely outclassed by the division’s high 5, which incorporates Jéssica Andrade, Tatiana Suarez, and Yan Xiaonan. Her final victory was a cut up resolution that was solely granted to her based mostly on management, and she will’t afford to be hit that always towards a powerful opponent like Lemos. I do suppose it is a 50-50 struggle, however I’ll choose Lucindo due to her exercise and continually bettering recreation. If she feels threatened on the toes, she will take the struggle to the bottom, and Lemos will possible have a tough time getting again up. (Prediction: Iasmin Lucindo)
Consensus: 2-2
Light-weight: Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
Thomas Albano: Jalin Turner has misplaced three of his final 4, although these losses have come towards some nice competitors. Ignacio Bahamondes, nonetheless, has had an honest stand up the light-weight ranks since coming into the UFC in 2021, with simply two losses in his Octagon run to this point. Bahamondes has received the momentum, clearly. Nevertheless, Turner has fought higher competitors and may have the bodily benefit in relation to his lengthy limbs and lanky physique. Bahamondes has proven some weak spot within the floor recreation, and Turner must be sensible and attempt to make the most of that (particularly after the unhealthy struggle IQ he displayed towards Renato Moicano final yr).
Turner’s three losses in his present downward pattern aren’t unhealthy contemplating the names, however 4 losses in 5 fights and a defeat on this struggle might fully sprint any probabilities of Turner reaching noteworthy contender standing within the UFC once more. I anticipate him to tug by way of with a second-round submission. (Prediction: Jalin Turner)
Ryan Jarrell: That is an attention-grabbing UFC 313 matchup contemplating the dimensions of those two for the burden class. Each males are six foot three with a 75.5 inch attain. “The Tarantula” is 2 years older than Bahamondes, and has undoubtedly confronted the harder competitors throughout his tenure within the UFC. I feel it’s Turner’s time to make a run. He’s a little bit older and doubtless feels the strain to win now. Bahamondes will likely be round for years to come back, however I’m going with the American to get this win. (Prediction: Jalin Turner)
Pranav Pandey: I feel this struggle has all of the makings of an all-out barnburner. I anticipate a striking-heavy battle, which undoubtedly favors Turner because of his towering attain benefit. Nevertheless, “La Jaula” arguably possesses the sharper struggle IQ — it’s only a matter of whether or not he can navigate the hazard zones with out getting tangled in “The Tarantula’s” grappling. With that in thoughts, Bahamondes is driving a powerful wave from back-to-back finishes final yr, and if he can discover the openings and exploit them with precision, I can see him shelling out critical harm and placing the American by way of a punishing ordeal. (Prediction: Ignacio Bahamondes)
Aakrit Sharma: Turner trying actually good towards most of his opponents, together with top-ranked fighters, due to his energy and hanging however then dropping by a detailed margin actually bugs me. Bahamondes, pretty much as good and harmful on the toes as he’s, isn’t a Dan Hooker, Renato Moicano or a Mateusz Gamrot. His submission win over Rongzhu has aged like wonderful wine, however I don’t see the unranked prospect shifting previous “The Tarantula” simply but as a result of grappling just isn’t his forte, and Turner is hard as nails on the toes. It’s necessary to do not forget that Turner may’ve registered a really spectacular KO win over Moicano at UFC 300, and his profession trajectory would’ve been fully totally different. I strongly imagine he’s simply been unfortunate with the matchups and, nicely, can be competing within the hardest division within the promotion.
It’s unlikely for this struggle to hit the bottom until one of many fighters makes use of it to get well from a knockdown. And since I imagine Turner to be a greater and extra skilled striker, I choose him to win this struggle. Each fighters are arguably of their bodily primes, and that is simply a FOTN contender for UFC 313. (Prediction: Jalin Turner)
Consensus: 3-1 Jalin Turner
Light-weight: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev
Thomas Albano: It’s completely heartbreaking that damage has price us what may have been an incredible UFC 313 warfare between Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker. However the comfort prize is nice as nicely contemplating the shut encounter these two had of their first struggle, with Gaethje popping out on high at UFC 286 in a bout that was one among 2023’s finest. Gaethje’s technique will likely be extra of the identical – use leg kicks and combos to ship a star-stunning, spotlight efficiency (no play on phrases supposed). Whereas there are questions on him being 36 and coming off the knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, there must be loads of questions on Fiziev as nicely.
Fiziev entered the primary struggle with Gaethje a 12-1 rising star, however he’s now misplaced two straight, having not fought since injuring his ACL towards Mateusz Gamrot. General, I really feel Fiziev will have the ability to have a powerful effort in his first struggle again from damage, however Gaethje’s strain and hanging will give him the style of victory as soon as once more. (Prediction: Justin Gaethje)
Ryan Jarrell: Two years later, we’re getting a rematch that every one fight sports activities will love. The primary struggle was very shut, with each having their moments. I don’t need to see Gaethje stroll off into the sundown anytime quickly, however I’m beginning to marvel what number of extra fights we’ll see “The Spotlight” compete in. After his lopsided loss to Holloway, it was sensible to take day off and never e book a struggle too quickly. Will that relaxation be sufficient for the 36-year-old to appear to be himself on this rematch? I’m unsure it’s, so for that cause I’m going with the youthful fighter in Fiziev to battle his approach to a call victory on this one. (Prediction: Rafael Fiziev)
Pranav Pandey: Each fighters have a deep understanding of one another’s arsenals, and that stage of publicity breeds a extra refined but relentless model of managed mayhem — particularly when Gaethje is concerned. Their first encounter was razor-close, and this time, the short-notice reserving makes it much more thrilling. Each males are coming back from a loss and an prolonged hiatus, nevertheless it’s “Ataman” who has been out of motion for a considerably longer stretch. I imagine that layoff could possibly be an important issue on this rematch.
Alternatively, “The Spotlight” endured a brutal beating in his final outing, and whether or not the aftermath of that struggle nonetheless lingers stays to be seen. That stated, I feel his relentless aggression and spunk — whereas each a weapon and a legal responsibility — give him the sting on this matchup. One factor’s for positive: I don’t see this struggle reaching the judges’ scorecards at UFC 313. (Prediction: Justin Gaethje)
Aakrit Sharma: Two issues. First, I’m within the minority of people that suppose Fiziev received the primary struggle as a result of first two rounds. He did get battered within the third, however the eye poke from Gaethje undoubtedly performed a task in it. Second, Fiziev is extra correct and sooner on the toes, which isn’t an enormous shock contemplating his kickboxing background. He proved he has all of the instruments to outstrike “TheHighlight” on any day, however the veteran light-weight is as sturdy as they arrive, which helped him within the first struggle, too. Gaethje, who’s grow to be a really affected person and calculated striker at this level, would possibly need to combine issues up by using his wrestling on this struggle, however as we all know it, that’s not how he secures bonuses each time he enters the Octagon.
This struggle may also reveal whether or not Gaethje has really recovered from the Holloway KO. It’s usually stated that fighters don’t stay the identical after such crushing losses, however I nonetheless place confidence in Gaethje’s capacity to show this into one other brawl to be remembered for ages. Fiziev has had fairly the time to get well from the knee damage that occurred within the Gamrot bout, and this time round, he’ll possible come to struggle with the mandatory changes towards former interim UFC light-weight champ. As an alternative of making an attempt to take out Gaethje early, it could make extra sense for “Ataman” to spend his fuel process correctly and sustain the excessive output of strikes and kicks throughout all rounds. I predict that he’ll carry out higher than UFC 286 and at last grow to be worthy of a title shot. (Prediction: Rafael Fiziev)
Consensus: 2-2
UFC Mild Heavyweight Title: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Thomas Albano: After a 2024 marketing campaign that noticed him in rivalry for the Male Fighter of the Yr in MMA throughout varied platforms, Alex Pereira appears to proceed his dominant run at 205 kilos. He has saved the UFC plenty of instances with playing cards over the course of the final yr, and now a win towards Magomed Ankaleav may very nicely put him within the operating for a possible superfight towards Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall, if latest feedback from Dana White are to be believed.
That stated, Ankalaev, regardless of having his personal sort of energy, goes to want to make the most of his takedowns and wrestling to its biggest potential. The Russian must set the tempo early and will must climate an early storm. It’s not what some folks need to hear, however he wants to begin scoring takedowns from the primary spherical on. The extra he can get this struggle to the bottom, the higher the probabilities he has of strolling out a champion. Whereas Ankalaev has energy in his leg kicks and his fingers, we’ve seen how all Pereira must do is land one hook to place somebody’s lights out. If Ankalaev just isn’t cautious at UFC 313, all it would take is only a mere few seconds for that to occur. (Prediction: Alex Pereira)
Ryan Jarrell: I preserve going backwards and forwards about this one. On paper, I feel the secure guess is Pereira to proceed his dominance and retain the title. However Ankalaev is a really attention-grabbing stylistic matchup for the champion. If this struggle stays on the toes, it will likely be Pereira all day. But when Ankalaev can combine issues up and get this struggle to the bottom, he may pull the upset and grow to be the brand new champ. With how dominant the champion has been, I simply can’t choose “Poatan” to lose his title. (Prediction: Alex Pereira)
Pranav Pandey: I imagine the struggle will exceed the expectations of what most are anticipating. That being stated, whereas I feel Ankalaev is undeniably a stylistic menace for Pereira, I can’t assist however really feel a sure frustration with the preliminary disrespectshown by the oddsmakers towards “Poatan”. Let’s not neglect — he’s the reigning champion, and never simply any champion, however an plain drive of dominance. I feel it’s essential to do not forget that his hanging prowess and his capacity to regulate a struggle elevate him to a wholly totally different stage.
Ankalaev definitely possesses a well-rounded hanging recreation, with strong attain and the added dimension of a wrestling menace that might pose some issues for Pereira. Nevertheless, the truth is his takedown expertise aren’t fairly Khabib Nurmagomedov-esque. Whereas Ankalaev will undoubtedly current challenges, we’ve already seen the blueprint laid out by Jan Błachowicz, who essentiallyhanded each 205-pounder a recreation plan for neutralizing the Russian’s grappling — by relentlessly attacking his legs with a collection of kicks. It’s a method that works, and it’s one which Pereira can definitely make use of to his benefit.
If there’s one factor we all know for sure, it’s that Pereira is a grasp at imposing his will on his opponents in ways in which transcend the strange together with his highly effective pictures. I firmly imagine that the prevailing notion — that Ankalaev is a problem Pereira has by no means encountered — misses the mark. Truthfully, Pereira presents a problem Ankalaev has by no means confronted. When all is alleged and finished, I’ve little doubt that Pereira will rise to the event (once more). (Prediction: Alex Pereira)
Aakrit Sharma: MMA math doesn’t work on a regular basis, however the best way Jan Blachowicz was capable of bother Ankalaev together with his leg kicks, I can foresee Pereira’s gameplan heading into the UFC 313 foremost occasion. Ankalaev’s plan, then again, is a slight thriller as he didn’t present any willingness to grapple towards a strong striker like Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308. He would possibly’ve been proving some extent about being ok to face and bang with the champ, however “Poatan” is undeniably miles forward of the remainder of the pack in hanging and kickboxing.
The Russian is fast, and Pereira will get hit too, however the champ’s UFC 307 protection towards Khalil Rountree made us understand that he has a strong chin at gentle heavyweight. He’s additionally combating after a comparatively lengthy break, so I anticipate him to be in a greater state bodily.Ankalaev’s grappling benefit is being known as the deciding issue for this struggle. Nevertheless, in a heavy division like gentle heavyweight, grappling exchanges lack the explosiveness, scrambles, agility, and technical intricacies seen in smaller divisions, which explains whyupsets like Jiří Procházka submitting Glover Teixeira occur.
So, even with simply brute energy and Teixeira’s continued coaching over the past couple of years, I feel Pereira will have the ability to avert the menace on the bottom towards Ankalaev. The UFC gentle heavyweight kingpin additionally has first rate cardio for his age. To win, he must be the one dictating the struggle’s tempo as normal, and I’m choosing him to finish up with one other spotlight reel this weekend at UFC 313, as his knockout energy is really particular at 205 kilos. (Prediction: Alex Pereira)
Consensus: 4-0 Alex Pereira
That’ll do it for our UFC 313 employees picks! What do you suppose? Do your predictions look related? Tell us within the feedback part! Additionally, you possibly can take a look at the total UFC 313 card beneath.
Predominant Card:
Mild Heavyweight Championship: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Light-weight: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev
Light-weight: Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
Girls’s Strawweight: Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo
Light-weight: King Inexperienced vs. Mauricio Ruffy
Preliminary Card:
Heavyweight: Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev
Flyweight: Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya
Middleweight: Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan
Welterweight: Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal
Early Preliminary Card:
Featherweight: Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall
Featherweight: Chris Gutierrez vs. John Castañeda
Middleweight: Djorden Santos vs. Ozzy Diaz
Make sure you preserve it proper right here on MMANews.com for all the outcomes, highlights, and updates on UFC 313!
