The UFC returns to T-Mobile Arena this weekend for UFC 313 headlined by Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. The pay-per-view event sees a new co-main as Rafael Fiziev steps in for the injured Dan Hooker to face the ever-dangerous Justin Gaethje. While Jalin Turner faces off with Ignacio Bahamondes in what is sure to be a barnburner.
With several cracking fights this weekend, Ben Talintye takes a look at his best bets on the UFC 313 card. Remember you can find all of our MMA pay-per-view previews on our UFC tips page
UFC 313 Preview & Betting Tips
Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev
This is the fight that everyone has been waiting for at Light Heavyweight, with knockout artist Alex Pereira facing devastating grappler Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira has successfully defended his belt three after moving up from Middleweight. While Ankalaev gets his second crack at becoming the undisputed Light Heavyweight champion after a draw with Jan Błachowicz in 2022 for the vacant belt.
So can he beat the champion? The simple answer is yes. Pereira has never fought an elite grappler and so therefore his takedown defence and fluency on the ground is still a huge question mark.
Ankalaev isn’t a huge submission threat, however, which means even if he does take ‘Poatan’ down he likely will have to do it time and time again without having his lights shut out. And that is why I see the champion retaining his title.
Many men have tried and failed to stand and trade with Pereira and while I don’t believe Ankalaev believes he can beat the champ on the feet, there will be ample time for Pereira to catch him and I think he will do just that.
Alex Pereira to win by KO/TKO
$2.80 (3 Units)
Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev
Rafael Fiziev steps in for the injured Dan Hooker on short notice to face Justin Gaethje, who is looking to make one final run at the UFC title. The pair duked it out previously in an entertaining affair. After claiming the first round and looking a step ahead of Gaethje, the American got Fiziev’s timing down and took the final two rounds.
So this time around I am expecting Gaethje to rectify his slow start and get into a flow even quicker. Add to the fact that Fiziev comes into this fight on short notice and on the back of ACL surgery and all roads point to a Gaethje win, potentially by KO/TKO if you want some extra value. However, at underdog odds, it makes sense to make the official pick Gaethje to just get his hand raised.
Justin Gaethje to win
$2.30 (3 Units)
Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes
Jalin Turner is 1-3 in his last four UFC fights but is still ranked. And a fight against Ignacio Bahamondes this weekend presents him with a golden opportunity to return to the winner’s circle.
Turner’s lanky 6 foot 3 frame is hard for opponents to negotiate, with most turning to grappling or clinch work to get Turner out of his comfort zone. However, Bahamondes will give him the striking battle he wants, with the Chilean a kickboxer by trade.
While I admit Turner is a little chinny and a solid shot from his opponent could finish things, I trust his movement and work behind the jab to get the job done.
Jalin Turner to win
$2.10 (3 Units)
