UFC 313 Picks for Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev and Other Fights

If you’re looking for UFC 313 picks, you’re at the right place. We’re now going to preview the main event – Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev – as well as the co-main event – Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev.

Not only that, but we’ll also share our UFC 313 predictions for all the remaining matchups on the fight card, including both main card bouts and preliminaries.

Alex Pereira to Defend His Title Again?

Alex Pereira (12-2) reigns over the UFC Light Heavyweight division with a perfect 5-0 record at 205 pounds. Since moving up from middleweight, he’s 5-0, with wins over Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka (twice), Jamahal Hill, and Khalil Rountree.

The only fight that went the distance was a split decision against Blachowicz. Every other win ended in a KO or TKO, which is a testament to his elite kickboxing pedigree.

What about his wrestling? That’s still a question mark as we haven’t seen much proof inside the cage. Could this be a problem against Magomed Ankalaev (19-1-2), a Dagestani fighter with plenty of weapons in his arsenal.

Like most other Dagestani fighters, he too is a fine wrestler. Still, his weapon of choice is striking. And he’s really good at it – just ask Johnny Walker, Anthony Smith, or some of the other eight fighters who got knocked out by this guy.

Knowing that both are incredible finishers, the only logical Pereira vs. Ankalaev pick is that the fight won’t go the distance.

Justin Gaethje to Beat Rafael Fiziev Again

Justin Gaethje enters UFC 313 as an underdog with +135 odds, which we think is crazy. We think he should be the favorite here. After all, he’s got the edge in preparation, coming off a full training camp, while Rafael Fiziev steps in on short notice.

The thing is that Gaethje was supposed to fight Dan Hooker in the UFC 313 co-main event, but after the New Zealander pulled out of the bout, The Highlight got a new opponent – Rafael Fiziev.

He’s already fought him once, back in 2023. It was a three-round thriller that Gaethje won by majority decision, earning Fight of the Night honors. This rematch, another three-rounder on March 8, promises the same fireworks.

Fiziev’s Muay Thai-heavy fighting style blends speed, precision, and insane head movement. He fights like a video game character, dodging strikes Matrix-style while delivering devastating counters.

Fiziev’s biggest challenge? He hasn’t fought since a TKO loss to Mateusz Gamrot in September 2023 due to a knee injury. Now, he’s flying in from Thailand with minimal prep and cutting weight on short notice.

Gaethje, meanwhile, is in peak condition. Expect Fiziev to start fast, looking sharp early, but Gaethje’s pressure and leg kicks will wear him down. By the final horn, Gaethje should have done enough to secure another decision win, or possibly even a late stoppage.

UFC 313 Picks for Remaining Fights

• Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes – Ignacio Bahamondes
• Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo – Amanda Lemos
• King Green vs. Maurício Ruffy – Maurício Ruffy
• Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev – Curtis Blaydes
• Joshua Van vs. Rei Tsuruya – Joshua Van
• Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan – Armen Petrosyan
• Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal – Carlos Leal
• Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall – Mairon Santos
• Djorden Santos vs. Osman Diaz – Djorden Santos

There you have it, our UFC 313 picks for all remaining fights. As you can see, we’re backing favorites in most cases. In fact, the only instance in which our pick is a betting underdog is the Lemos vs. Lucindo fight.

We think that Amanda’s experience will play a huge role in this fight. She’s a former title challenger who’s fought the who’s who of the UFC Women’s Strawweight Division. At the age of 37, it’s now or never for Amandinha.