Monday Matchmaker: UFC 313

UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev

UFC 313 delivered an unforgettable night of fights, and as always, the discussion now shifts to what’s next for the key fighters from the event. With some clear-cut title implications, grudge matches to settle, and rising contenders needing their next steps, here are the fights that make the most sense moving forward.

Alex Pereira

• Magomed Ankalaev II (Light Heavyweight Title Rematch)

The main event saw Magomed Ankalaev claim the light heavyweight title with a close decision over Alex Pereira. Ankalaev did enough to win—Pereira landed only 11 head strikes in 25 minutes, with the rest mainly being leg kicks. With Pereira already having multiple title defenses and being the biggest star in the UFC at the moment, a rematch is the only logical choice.

With no clear next contender at light heavyweight, the UFC should book Pereira vs. Ankalaev II in Abu Dhabi this October. Ankalaev will likely enter as a favorite this time, but Pereira’s power and striking remain a constant threat.

Could they fight earlier? Pereira has been very active and needs a time off, and the UFC has recently preferred scheduling big fights in Abu Dhabi.

Justin Gaethje

• Arman Tsarukyan (Title Eliminator)

While Dana White has said Justin Gaethje has a high chance of fighting Islam Makhachev for the title next, fans don’t want to see it. Gaethje was just taken down by Fiziev and held there. He is known for poor ground skills and would be too easy a target for Islam.

Let him prove his wrestling defense against Arman Tsarukyan, who was also punished for pulling out last minute from a title fight with Islam Makhachev. Gaethje needs to get on a win streak and face a wrestler, while Arman needs another high-ranked opponent to reestablish himself as a title contender.

And no Dustin Poirier fight—it always turns into a bloodbath, and Gaethje has said the right thing: “Neither of our families deserve to see it,” and he is okay with being 1-1 against Poirier.

Rafael Fiziev

• Fares Ziam 

After coming up short against Gaethje, Rafael Fiziev needs to regroup. While many might want to see him against an up-and-comer like Ignacio Bahamondes or Maurício Ruffy, scheduling issues make that unlikely. Instead, a fight with France’s Fares Ziam makes perfect sense.

Ziam is on an impressive five-fight win streak and has been steadily working his way up. A fight against Fiziev, possibly in Paris this September, would be the perfect co-main event alongside Ciryl Gane. Ziam has earned his shot against a ranked opponent, and Fiziev needs a bounce-back fight against a dangerous but beatable opponent.

Ignacio Bahamondes

• Grant Dawson

With Ignacio Bahamondes’ stock rising after his submission win over Jalin Turner, it’s time to test him against a well-rounded grappler. Grant Dawson, a tough wrestler with a developing striking game, would be a perfect challenge. This fight could land on International Fight Week in June, where both fighters would have the chance to break into the top 10 with a statement victory.

Maurício Ruffy

• Beneil Dariush

Maurício Ruffy’s spectacular knockout at UFC 313 has skyrocketed his stock, making him one of the hottest prospects in the division. The UFC should capitalize on this momentum by booking him against veteran Beneil Dariush. Dariush has struggled against elite competition recently, but he remains one of the most skilled lightweights. If Ruffy can get past him, it would solidify his status as a legitimate top contender.

Bobby Green

• Michael Johnson (Lightweight Veterans Clash)

After suffering a brutal knockout loss, Bobby Green should avoid young killers and instead face a fellow veteran. Michael Johnson, who has been competitive despite mixed results, is the perfect opponent. Fans love both these guys, and their striking-heavy styles would make for an entertaining matchup.

Joshua Van

• Tagir Ulanbekov 

Joshua Van’s impressive victory at UFC 313 showcased his incredible takedown defense and striking ability. A fight against Tagir Ulanbekov, who was originally scheduled to fight Van before the bout fell through, is the logical next step. This fight could be rebooked for International Fight Week, with the winner earning a top-10 matchup next.

Dan Hooker

• Max Holloway (Lightweight Feature Fight)

With Max Holloway’s featherweight future uncertain after his KO loss to Ilia Topuria, a move to lightweight against Dan Hooker makes sense. Hooker was supposed to fight at UFC 313 before pulling out, but now he’s healthy and ready to go for International Fight Week in June.

This fight is a striker’s dream, and it gives Holloway a fresh matchup outside of the featherweight logjam. A five-round feature fight on a stacked PPV card would be a must-watch.

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