In an electrifying night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, UFC 313 marked a historic moment for the light heavyweight division (up to 205 lbs). On Saturday, March 8, Russian fighter Magomed Ankalaev overcame Brazilian Alex Poatan in a five-round battle, securing the division’s belt via unanimous decision from the judges. The main event, headlining the card, drew thousands of fans and delivered an unexpected end to Poatan’s reign, which had lasted just over a year.
Intense fights and dramatic turnarounds were plentiful at UFC 313, but all eyes were on the light heavyweight title bout. Alex Poatan, renowned for his sharp striking and knockout power, stepped into the octagon as the favorite to defend his belt. Opposite him stood Magomed Ankalaev, a well-rounded fighter with an impressive streak in the UFC, promising to challenge the Brazilian with his strategic approach. The 25-minute clash tested both athletes’ endurance, concluding with the judges favoring the Russian’s performance with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. This victory crowns Ankalaev as the new champion and ends a dominant chapter for Poatan in the division.
Ankalaev’s road to the title was far from easy, as he now boasts 12 wins within the promotion. Leading up to UFC 313, the Russian had maintained an unbeaten run of 10 fights, including standout knockouts and commanding performances against names like Thiago Marreta and Anthony Smith. Meanwhile, Poatan, who claimed the belt in 2023 by defeating Jamahal Hill, faced in Ankalaev an opponent who effectively neutralized much of his offensive arsenal.
Thousands of spectators packed the T-Mobile Arena, buzzing with excitement for every move. Held in Las Vegas, the event solidified its status as one of the year’s most anticipated, featuring top MMA stars and delivering thrills across both the main and preliminary cards.
The fight in detail
Ankalaev’s dominance began to take shape early on. In the opening round, Poatan aimed to dictate the pace with low kicks and a spinning high kick, but the Russian countered with precision, closing the distance and attempting to take the fight to the ground. Though the takedown didn’t materialize, Ankalaev established control and set the tone for the rounds ahead. The second round saw an uptick in pace, with the challenger landing a straight punch that rocked Poatan, followed by a left hook that forced the Brazilian to clinch for recovery. The striking remained competitive, but the Russian’s tactical edge started to shine.
By the third round, Ankalaev hit his stride, unloading combinations and once again pushing for a takedown. Poatan’s solid takedown defense kept him upright, yet he struggled to impose his game plan effectively. The fourth round followed a similar script, with the Russian pressing forward and Poatan holding his own in defense, though he ended the round pinned against the cage. In the final round, both fighters traded heavy blows, including a high kick from Poatan that landed on Ankalaev, but it wasn’t enough to shift the momentum. The Russian responded with smart grappling, securing crucial points.
The judges’ unanimous decision reflected Ankalaev’s control throughout the fight. After the announcement, the new champion celebrated the belt, emphasizing the fulfillment of a long-pursued dream. The outcome also marks Poatan’s first loss in the light heavyweight division, sparking discussions about his next move in the octagon.
Standout moments from UFC 313
Beyond the main event, UFC 313 featured other fights that electrified the Las Vegas crowd. In the main card, Brazilian Mauricio Ruffy stunned onlookers by knocking out King Green in just 2 minutes and 7 seconds of the first round, cementing his status as a rising star in the lightweight division. Fellow Brazilian Amanda Lemos also shone, defeating Iasmin Lucindo by unanimous decision in a closely contested all-Brazilian clash. Another highlight was Ignacio Bahamondes, who submitted Jalin Turner in the first round at 2 minutes and 29 seconds, delivering a jaw-dropping performance.
The prelims saw Brunno Hulk steal the spotlight with a second-round submission over Armen Petrosyan, while Carlos Leal caught Alex Morono off guard with a technical knockout in the opening round. These results underscore the strength of Brazilian fighters at the event, despite Poatan’s setback in the headline bout.
Veterans like Justin Gaethje, who outpointed Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision, and newcomers like Joshua Van, victorious over Rei Tsuruya, also left their mark. The night reinforced the UFC’s competitive depth and its ongoing influx of fresh talent.
Paths to UFC 313
Magomed Ankalaev arrived at UFC 313 with a professional record of 18 wins and just one loss. Hailing from Dagestan, Russia, he’s known for blending elite wrestling with precise striking, making him one of the division’s most feared contenders. Before facing Poatan, he had dispatched opponents like Johnny Walker and Ion Cutelaba, building both experience and momentum for the title shot. His win on Saturday elevates him to one of the top names in global MMA in 2025.
Alex Poatan, meanwhile, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the UFC. A former middleweight champion, the Brazilian moved up to light heavyweight in 2023 and swiftly captured the title with a knockout of Jamahal Hill. With an aggressive style and devastating kicks, he became a fan favorite, but Ankalaev proved a hurdle he couldn’t clear. Despite the loss, Poatan remains a key figure in the division, with supporters eager for his next fight.
The buildup to their clash added extra layers of excitement. In the months leading to UFC 313, both fighters traded verbal jabs, with Ankalaev vowing to dethrone the Brazilian and Poatan insisting he’d keep the belt. The tension culminated in a gripping showdown.
Numbers and trivia from the event
UFC 313 wasn’t just a turning point for the light heavyweight division—it also delivered compelling stats and facts. Here are some highlights:
- Ankalaev now holds the second-longest active unbeaten streak among UFC light heavyweights, with 11 straight wins.
- Poatan landed 42 significant strikes over the five rounds, while Ankalaev connected with 67, per official stats.
- The event drew 19,842 attendees to the T-Mobile Arena, generating an estimated gate of over $15 million.
These figures highlight the fight’s significance and UFC 313’s impact on the international MMA landscape.
Upcoming UFC fight schedule
With Ankalaev’s victory, the light heavyweight division is already gearing up for what’s next. A potential timeline for upcoming events and matchups includes:
- April: Ankalaev could make his first title defense against a top-5 contender like Johnny Walker or Jamahal Hill.
- June: Poatan might return to the octagon for a rematch or face another contender, such as Aleksandar Rakic.
- August: The UFC is eyeing a major Las Vegas event that could set the stage for the next title challenger.
Meanwhile, UFC 314, slated for May, is starting to take shape, with names like Mauricio Ruffy and Amanda Lemos in the mix for prominent bouts.
Impact of Ankalaev’s triumph
Magomed Ankalaev’s rise to the top of the light heavyweight division reshapes its landscape. His win over Poatan, one of the UFC’s biggest stars, paves the way for fresh challenges and rivalries. The Russian, once criticized by some fans for a conservative style, proved he can dominate an elite striker, boosting his standing in the organization.
For Poatan, the loss is a setback but not the end of the road. At 37, the Brazilian has the tools to bounce back and pursue a rematch, a prospect already buzzing among fans online. His ability to adapt, as shown in his move up a weight class, will be put to the test in the coming months.
UFC 313 also underscores Russia’s growing dominance in MMA, producing consistent champions across divisions. Ankalaev joins the likes of Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, cementing Dagestan’s influence in the sport.

In an electrifying night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, UFC 313 marked a historic moment for the light heavyweight division (up to 205 lbs). On Saturday, March 8, Russian fighter Magomed Ankalaev overcame Brazilian Alex Poatan in a five-round battle, securing the division’s belt via unanimous decision from the judges. The main event, headlining the card, drew thousands of fans and delivered an unexpected end to Poatan’s reign, which had lasted just over a year.
Intense fights and dramatic turnarounds were plentiful at UFC 313, but all eyes were on the light heavyweight title bout. Alex Poatan, renowned for his sharp striking and knockout power, stepped into the octagon as the favorite to defend his belt. Opposite him stood Magomed Ankalaev, a well-rounded fighter with an impressive streak in the UFC, promising to challenge the Brazilian with his strategic approach. The 25-minute clash tested both athletes’ endurance, concluding with the judges favoring the Russian’s performance with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. This victory crowns Ankalaev as the new champion and ends a dominant chapter for Poatan in the division.
Ankalaev’s road to the title was far from easy, as he now boasts 12 wins within the promotion. Leading up to UFC 313, the Russian had maintained an unbeaten run of 10 fights, including standout knockouts and commanding performances against names like Thiago Marreta and Anthony Smith. Meanwhile, Poatan, who claimed the belt in 2023 by defeating Jamahal Hill, faced in Ankalaev an opponent who effectively neutralized much of his offensive arsenal.
Thousands of spectators packed the T-Mobile Arena, buzzing with excitement for every move. Held in Las Vegas, the event solidified its status as one of the year’s most anticipated, featuring top MMA stars and delivering thrills across both the main and preliminary cards.
The fight in detail
Ankalaev’s dominance began to take shape early on. In the opening round, Poatan aimed to dictate the pace with low kicks and a spinning high kick, but the Russian countered with precision, closing the distance and attempting to take the fight to the ground. Though the takedown didn’t materialize, Ankalaev established control and set the tone for the rounds ahead. The second round saw an uptick in pace, with the challenger landing a straight punch that rocked Poatan, followed by a left hook that forced the Brazilian to clinch for recovery. The striking remained competitive, but the Russian’s tactical edge started to shine.
By the third round, Ankalaev hit his stride, unloading combinations and once again pushing for a takedown. Poatan’s solid takedown defense kept him upright, yet he struggled to impose his game plan effectively. The fourth round followed a similar script, with the Russian pressing forward and Poatan holding his own in defense, though he ended the round pinned against the cage. In the final round, both fighters traded heavy blows, including a high kick from Poatan that landed on Ankalaev, but it wasn’t enough to shift the momentum. The Russian responded with smart grappling, securing crucial points.
The judges’ unanimous decision reflected Ankalaev’s control throughout the fight. After the announcement, the new champion celebrated the belt, emphasizing the fulfillment of a long-pursued dream. The outcome also marks Poatan’s first loss in the light heavyweight division, sparking discussions about his next move in the octagon.
Standout moments from UFC 313
Beyond the main event, UFC 313 featured other fights that electrified the Las Vegas crowd. In the main card, Brazilian Mauricio Ruffy stunned onlookers by knocking out King Green in just 2 minutes and 7 seconds of the first round, cementing his status as a rising star in the lightweight division. Fellow Brazilian Amanda Lemos also shone, defeating Iasmin Lucindo by unanimous decision in a closely contested all-Brazilian clash. Another highlight was Ignacio Bahamondes, who submitted Jalin Turner in the first round at 2 minutes and 29 seconds, delivering a jaw-dropping performance.
The prelims saw Brunno Hulk steal the spotlight with a second-round submission over Armen Petrosyan, while Carlos Leal caught Alex Morono off guard with a technical knockout in the opening round. These results underscore the strength of Brazilian fighters at the event, despite Poatan’s setback in the headline bout.
Veterans like Justin Gaethje, who outpointed Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision, and newcomers like Joshua Van, victorious over Rei Tsuruya, also left their mark. The night reinforced the UFC’s competitive depth and its ongoing influx of fresh talent.
Paths to UFC 313
Magomed Ankalaev arrived at UFC 313 with a professional record of 18 wins and just one loss. Hailing from Dagestan, Russia, he’s known for blending elite wrestling with precise striking, making him one of the division’s most feared contenders. Before facing Poatan, he had dispatched opponents like Johnny Walker and Ion Cutelaba, building both experience and momentum for the title shot. His win on Saturday elevates him to one of the top names in global MMA in 2025.
Alex Poatan, meanwhile, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the UFC. A former middleweight champion, the Brazilian moved up to light heavyweight in 2023 and swiftly captured the title with a knockout of Jamahal Hill. With an aggressive style and devastating kicks, he became a fan favorite, but Ankalaev proved a hurdle he couldn’t clear. Despite the loss, Poatan remains a key figure in the division, with supporters eager for his next fight.
The buildup to their clash added extra layers of excitement. In the months leading to UFC 313, both fighters traded verbal jabs, with Ankalaev vowing to dethrone the Brazilian and Poatan insisting he’d keep the belt. The tension culminated in a gripping showdown.
Numbers and trivia from the event
UFC 313 wasn’t just a turning point for the light heavyweight division—it also delivered compelling stats and facts. Here are some highlights:
- Ankalaev now holds the second-longest active unbeaten streak among UFC light heavyweights, with 11 straight wins.
- Poatan landed 42 significant strikes over the five rounds, while Ankalaev connected with 67, per official stats.
- The event drew 19,842 attendees to the T-Mobile Arena, generating an estimated gate of over $15 million.
These figures highlight the fight’s significance and UFC 313’s impact on the international MMA landscape.
Upcoming UFC fight schedule
With Ankalaev’s victory, the light heavyweight division is already gearing up for what’s next. A potential timeline for upcoming events and matchups includes:
- April: Ankalaev could make his first title defense against a top-5 contender like Johnny Walker or Jamahal Hill.
- June: Poatan might return to the octagon for a rematch or face another contender, such as Aleksandar Rakic.
- August: The UFC is eyeing a major Las Vegas event that could set the stage for the next title challenger.
Meanwhile, UFC 314, slated for May, is starting to take shape, with names like Mauricio Ruffy and Amanda Lemos in the mix for prominent bouts.
Impact of Ankalaev’s triumph
Magomed Ankalaev’s rise to the top of the light heavyweight division reshapes its landscape. His win over Poatan, one of the UFC’s biggest stars, paves the way for fresh challenges and rivalries. The Russian, once criticized by some fans for a conservative style, proved he can dominate an elite striker, boosting his standing in the organization.
For Poatan, the loss is a setback but not the end of the road. At 37, the Brazilian has the tools to bounce back and pursue a rematch, a prospect already buzzing among fans online. His ability to adapt, as shown in his move up a weight class, will be put to the test in the coming months.
UFC 313 also underscores Russia’s growing dominance in MMA, producing consistent champions across divisions. Ankalaev joins the likes of Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, cementing Dagestan’s influence in the sport.
