UFC 313 Fight Grades: Pereira-Ankalaev Thrillers Rival Gaethje-Fiziev's Action-Packed Brawl

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has long been known for its unpredictable nature, with fighters often rising to fame on the back of a single impressive performance. UFC 313, which took place on April 16, 2023, was no exception, with two thrilling matchups that left fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we'll be breaking down the fight grades for each of the four fights on the card, starting with the highly anticipated bout between Murad Magomedov and Bruno Silva, before moving on to the thrilling matchup between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev.

Main Event: Gaethje vs Fiziev

The main event of the evening saw Justin Gaethje take on Rafael Fiziev in a highly anticipated welterweight bout. The two fighters had been building towards this fight for months, with both men looking to prove themselves as one of the top contenders in the division. From the opening bell, it was clear that this was going to be an action-packed fight, with both men coming out swinging in a blistering pace.

Gaethje's Aggressive Style

Gaethje, known for his aggressive fighting style, was on full display in this bout. He came forward with a fierce determination, looking to take Fiziev down with his trademark takedowns. However, Fiziev was no pushover, and he expertly defended against Gaethje's attacks, using his quickness and agility to evade the pressure.

Key Moments of the Fight

• Fiziev's fifth-round takedown attempt: Fiziev's clever use of his feet to take down Gaethje in the fifth round was a turning point in the fight.
• Gaethje's pounding in the fourth round: Gaethje's relentless pressure in the fourth round had Fiziev reeling, but the Kazakhstani fighter refused to back down.
• Fiziev's victory via split decision: In the end, it was Fiziev's speed and agility that proved to be too much for Gaethje, earning him a hard-fought victory via split decision.

Co-Main Event: Pereira vs Ankalaev

The co-main event of the evening saw Felipe Alvarez Pereira take on Alexei Oleinik's countryman, Magomed Ankalaev. The two fighters had been on a tear in their respective promotions, with Pereira looking to make a statement in the light heavyweight division and Ankalaev seeking to prove himself as a top contender.

Pereira's Physicality

Pereira, known for his rugged and physical fighting style, was on full display in this bout. He came forward with a relentless pace, looking to wear down Ankalaev with his powerful striking. However, Ankalaev was no stranger to adversity, and he expertly defended against Pereira's attacks, using his superior grappling skills to keep the fight standing.

Key Moments of the Fight

• Pereira's fourth-round knockout: Pereira's crushing combination in the fourth round sent Ankalaev crashing to the canvas, earning him the knockout victory.
• Ankalaev's clever use of the fence: Ankalaev's effective use of the fence to avoid Pereira's attacks was a key factor in the fight's outcome.
• Pereira's intense conditioning: Pereira's incredible conditioning allowed him to push the pace throughout the fight, earning him the hard-fought victory.

Preliminary Bouts

The preliminary bouts on the card were just as exciting, with each fight showcasing a different brand of violence and athleticism.

1 Preliminary Bout: Almeida vs Bonsey

The first preliminary bout of the evening saw Pedro Almeida take on Liam Bonsey in a lightweight matchup. Almeida, known for his slick submissions, looked to outmaneuver Bonsey with his quickness and agility. However, Bonsey was no slouch, and he expertly defended against Almeida's attacks, using his powerful striking to keep the fight standing.

Key Moments of the Fight

• Almeida's second-round submission attempt: Almeida's clever use of his feet to take down Bonsey in the second round was a turning point in the fight.
• Bonsey's third-round knockdown: Bonsey's powerful striking in the third round had Almeida reeling, but the Brazilian fighter refused to back down.
• Bonsey's victory via TKO: In the end, it was Bonsey's power and aggression that proved to be too much for Almeida, earning him the TKO victory.

2 Preliminary Bout: Caceres vs Perry

The second preliminary bout of the evening saw Jesus Caceres take on Timur Perry in a featherweight matchup. Caceres, known for his rugged and aggressive fighting style, looked to take down Perry with his powerful striking. However, Perry was no stranger to adversity, and he expertly defended against Caceres's attacks, using his quickness and agility to evade the pressure.

Key Moments of the Fight

• Caceres's first-round takedown attempt: Caceres's clever use of his feet to take down Perry in the first round was a turning point in the fight.
• Perry's third-round knockdown: Perry's powerful striking in the third round had Caceres reeling, but the Mexican fighter refused to back down.
• Perry's victory via TKO: In the end, it was Perry's speed and agility that proved to be too much for Caceres, earning him the TKO victory.

3 Preliminary Bout: Fontes vs Kamhuka

The third preliminary bout of the evening saw Carlos Fontes take on David