UFC Rankings Report: UFC 313 Winner Gets Late Addition To Division’s Top 15

The UFC continues to captivate fans with its thrilling matchups and dynamic fighter rankings. Following the recent UFC 313 event, which took place on March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, there have been significant shifts in the rankings that will undoubtedly impact future bouts and title shots. This article delves into the outcomes of UFC 313, highlights the fighters who emerged victorious, and examines how these results influenced the rankings within the division.

UFC 313 Overview

UFC 313 featured an electrifying main event where Magomed Ankalaev faced off against Alex Pereira for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. The stakes were high as both fighters aimed to solidify their legacies within the octagon. Ankalaev came into this bout with a record of 19 wins, one loss, and one no contest, while Pereira, a two-division champion, sought to defend his title against a top contender.

The event was filled with intense matchups across the card, showcasing both established stars and rising talents. Notably, Roman Dolidze secured a unanimous decision victory over Marvin Vettori in a pivotal middleweight clash, further complicating the rankings in that division.

UFC 313 not only delivered an action-packed night of fights but also served as a crucial turning point for several fighters’ careers. As fans packed the arena and millions tuned in globally, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation.

Main Event Recap: Ankalaev vs. Pereira

In a highly tactical fight that showcased both fighters’ skills and strategies, Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira to claim the light heavyweight title. The bout was characterized by Ankalaev’s strategic striking and grappling prowess, which ultimately led to his victory by unanimous decision. This win not only crowned him as the new champion but also positioned him as a formidable force within the division.

Ankalaev’s performance was marked by his ability to control distance and dictate the pace of the fight. He effectively utilized his wrestling background to neutralize Pereira’s striking power, which had previously overwhelmed many opponents. Pereira attempted to implement his signature striking style but found it challenging to land clean shots against Ankalaev’s well-timed counters.

Dana White had previously indicated that if Pereira emerged victorious, he could potentially become the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world. However, with Ankalaev’s impressive performance, he has now taken that spotlight away from Pereira and established himself as a top contender in MMA history.

Significant Fights and Rankings Impact

Several key fights at UFC 313 contributed to shifts in fighter rankings:

• Roman Dolidze vs. Marvin Vettori: Dolidze’s victory over Vettori was crucial for his standing in the middleweight division. After avenging a previous defeat to Vettori, Dolidze called for a top-five opponent, indicating his ambition to climb further up the ranks. His performance showcased not only his striking ability but also his grappling skills, which he used effectively to control Vettori throughout the fight.
• Chidi Njokuani’s TKO Victory: Njokuani showcased his striking skills with a stunning TKO win over Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. This performance solidified Njokuani’s position as a rising star in the middleweight division. His combination of speed and power has made him a fan favorite and a dangerous contender moving forward.
• Other Notable Fights: The card also featured several other notable bouts that impacted rankings across various divisions. Fighters like Andre Fili and Michelle Waterson delivered impressive performances that could lead them toward title contention or rematches with top-ranked opponents.

These results have led to notable changes in both the light heavyweight and middleweight rankings.

Updated Rankings Following UFC 313

Light Heavyweight Division

With Magomed Ankalaev’s victory over Alex Pereira, significant shifts occurred within the light heavyweight rankings:

1. Magomed Ankalaev (Champion): With this win, Ankalaev has firmly established himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in this weight class. His blend of striking and grappling makes him a well-rounded champion who can adapt to various styles.
2. Jiří Procházka (No. 1 Contender): Procházka remains a top contender after his impressive performances leading up to this event. Fans are eager to see how he will match up against Ankalaev in what could be an explosive title fight.
3. Jan Błachowicz (No. 2 Contender): Despite recent losses, Błachowicz remains a formidable presence in the division due to his experience and knockout power.
4. Jamahal Hill (No. 3 Contender): Hill is looking for redemption after suffering setbacks but remains dangerous with his striking capabilities.
5. Aleksandar Rakić (No. 4 Contender): Rakić continues to be a threat within the division despite recent challenges.

Ankalaev’s victory has not only earned him the championship title but has also propelled him to become one of the most feared fighters in light heavyweight history. His next bout is highly anticipated as he looks to defend his title against other top contenders.

Middleweight Division

Roman Dolidze’s unanimous decision win over Marvin Vettori has earned him a late addition to the Top 15 rankings in the middleweight division:

1. Dricus du Plessis (Champion): Du Plessis remains at the top after successfully defending his title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 312.
2. Nassourdine Imavov (No. 1 Contender): Imavov is on an impressive winning streak and is poised for a title shot soon.
3. Sean Strickland (No. 2 Contender): Strickland remains active despite setbacks; he is always looking for opportunities against top-ranked opponents.
4. Roman Dolidze (No. 3 Contender): Dolidze’s victory over Vettori has propelled him into serious contention for a title shot.
5. Marvin Vettori (No. 4 Contender): After losing to Dolidze, Vettori will need to regroup if he wants another shot at climbing back up.

As these fighters prepare for their next bouts, fans can expect exciting matchups that could further shake up these rankings.

Fighter Spotlight: Roman Dolidze

Roman Dolidze has emerged as one of the most intriguing fighters in the middleweight division following his victory at UFC 313. With a record of 15 wins and three losses, Dolidze has demonstrated resilience and skill throughout his career.

Dolidze’s journey through mixed martial arts has been marked by determination and adaptability; he has evolved from an underdog into a serious contender within one of MMA’s most competitive divisions. His ability to adapt after setbacks speaks volumes about his work ethic and mental fortitude.

After defeating Marvin Vettori—who was once considered one of the top contenders—Dolidze made it clear that he is ready for bigger challenges ahead by calling out higher-ranked opponents during his post-fight interview.

Fans are eager to see how he will fare against top-tier competition as he continues on this upward trajectory within the middleweight ranks.

Marketing and Branding in UFC

The UFC has established itself not only as a premier fighting organization but also as a leader in marketing strategies within sports. Their approach emphasizes digital engagement and social media presence, allowing fighters to build their brands effectively.

Fighters are encouraged to engage with fans through their personal social media accounts; this helps amplify their visibility and marketability significantly compared to traditional athletes who often rely solely on media coverage or promotional events.

Innovative marketing strategies have allowed fighters like Conor McGregor and Israel Adesanya to transcend beyond just being athletes; they have become cultural icons with substantial influence across various platforms.

To explore more about how UFC superstars and storylines stay ahead of the game through innovative marketing and branding, see our article on [LINK].

Looking Ahead: Future Matchups

As we look ahead following UFC 313, several intriguing matchups are on the horizon:

• Magomed Ankalaev vs Jiří Procházka: This potential matchup could be one of the most anticipated fights of 2025 if it materializes soon after Ankalaev’s first title defense.
• Roman Dolidze vs Top Five Opponent: Fans are eager to see who Dolidze will face next as he calls for higher-ranked competition; potential matchups could include Nassourdine Imavov or Sean Strickland.
• Chidi Njokuani’s Next Fight: After his impressive TKO victory at UFC 313, Njokuani is likely looking for another high-profile matchup that could elevate him further up in rank contention.

The ongoing evolution of fighter rankings will keep fans engaged as they follow their favorite athletes’ journeys through victory and defeat.

Conclusion: The Thrill of MMA Continues

UFC 313 has set the stage for an exciting year ahead in mixed martial arts. With new champions crowned and rising stars making their mark, fans can anticipate thrilling matchups that will further shape rankings within each division.

As fighters like Magomed Ankalaev and Roman Dolidze continue pushing boundaries within their respective divisions, they inspire upcoming athletes while captivating audiences worldwide with their skill sets and stories of perseverance.

Stay tuned for more updates on future events and how these developments will influence fighter rankings across all divisions! The world of mixed martial arts is ever-evolving—each fight brings new excitement—and you won’t want to miss what comes next!