UFC 313 Media Day Highlights – ‘I’m Ready To Give Everything’
Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev took part in media day before their clash on Saturday at UFC 313.
Pereira is the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion who knocked out Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 in his last bout. That capped off an impressive 2024 following KO wins against Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka. Another win will increase the calls on Pereira to move up to heavyweight amid continued speculation he could face UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones. White has suggested that the winner of Jones-Aspinall could face Pereira next.
But to do so, Alex will have to overcome Ankalaev, the biggest threat in the division. The Russian is on a 13-fight unbeaten streak, with 11 wins, a draw, and one no-contest. In his last fight, he defeated Aleksandar Rakic via unanimous decision at UFC 308.
In chief support, Justin Gaethje will face Rafael Fiziev in their rematch. The fight took place after Justin’s initial opponent Dan Hooker withdrew with a hand injury. Gaethje won the first fight in 2023 against Fiziev via a majority decision. But he enters into the fight with a loss, having been stopped by Max Holloway at UFC 300. That defeat cost him his BMF Belt. Fiziev has only fought once since the Justin loss, losing to Mateusz Gamrot. His last win was in 2022 when he beat Rafael Dos Anjos.
In the other parts of the card, Jalin Turner and Ignacio Bahamondes will fight each other in a lightweight bout. Turner was knocked out in his last fight at UFC 300 when he faced Renato Moicano. That was his third loss from four fights. As for Bahamondes, he has stopped his last two opponents, beating Christos Giagos and Manuel Torres. Here are some key quotes from media day.
Media Day
“I deserved to win the title when I fought Jan Blachowicz. But, I don’t consider myself the uncrowned king of the Light Heavyweight division,” Magomed Ankalaev
“Jalin Turner is one of the best in the world. I’m ready to give everything and get the finish,” Ignacio Bahamondes
“When people like Justin and I go into the octagon, we’re usually going to the hospital after,” Rafael Fiziev
“I just watched the Max Holloway fight back for the first time today. [And] I thought I fought well, Max was just great on the night,” Justin Gaethje
“I thought I was well suited to deal with Renato Moicano’s jiu jitsu, but he felt heavy on top. [And] I wasn’t prepared,” Jalin Turner
“I believe so, I had a busy year last year with great success. I’m just going to keep on doing this work,” Alex Pereira
Full Card
Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev
Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo
King Green vs. Mauricio Ruffy
Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev
Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya
Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan
Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal
Prelims
Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall
Djorden Santos vs. Ozzy Diaz
Chris Gutierrez vs. John Castaneda
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