UFC 313 free betting tips & main card preview | Sunday, March 9

The main card for UFC 313 at the T-Mobile Arena this Sunday (AEDT) presents some compelling comparisons. The co-main event throws fan favourite Justin Gaethje against Rafael Fiziev in a rematch of their 2023 classic; emerging lightweight prospect Ignacio Bahamondes appears well matched against Jalin Turner; and the exciting Mauricio Ruffy will be out to make short work of King Green. Read on for our fight previews and top betting tips.

Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev

Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev

Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will defend his crown against Russian challenger Magomed Ankalaev to headline UFC 313. Pereira is one of the most decorated combat athletes of all time, while Ankalaev has been pressing his title claims with a solid run of form after failing to claim the gold on his first attempt. See our Pereira vs Ankalaev main event preview here.

Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev

Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev

Justin Gaethje (26-5-0) is coming off a devastating knockout loss to Max Holloway in April 2024 that suggests the end might be near for the lightweight veteran. The 36-year-old has consistently put himself in dangerous positions for years, and that trait put him face down on the final bell after an epic five-round contest for the ceremonial BMF belt. Gaethje might have one or two more big efforts left in him, and he did beat this opponent when they met in 2023, but the best UFC betting sites are forecasting another loss for the MMA legend.

Rafael Fiziev (12-3-0) has battled through a variety of injuries in recent years, competing just once in 2022 and twice in 2023. The 32-year-old makes his return from a 15-month layoff, so he might be a little rusty in the opening round of this bout. At his best, Fiziev is an elite kickboxer, having trained extensively in Thailand with some of the best strikers in the world. Whether he can bounce straight back from a lengthy knee rehabilitation remains to be seen, but he has been impressive in training camp videos.

Jalin Turner vs Ignacio Bahamondes

Jalin Turner vs Ignacio Bahamondes

Jalin Turner (14-8-0) has been disappointing since 2023 with just one win from his last four UFC bouts. The 29-year-old is a proven finisher with 10 knockouts and four submissions, but he has a 0-4 record with the judges. Turner stands extremely tall for the lightweight division, but that natural advantage will not be a factor in Las Vegas when he faces an opponent of almost identical dimensions. His best chance at landing an upset will rely on a huge effort in the opening round, after which time his prospects appear dim.

Ignacio Bahamondes (16-5-0) brings strong form into this clash, having won five of his last six UFC outings. The 27-year-old is still improving and looked impressive when finishing Manuel Torres and Christos Giagos in 2024, throwing lengthy combinations to score the stoppages. Bahamondes boasts a winning record with the judges and should have multiple paths to victory, depending on his urgency to press for a potential highlight-reel finish.

Amanda Lemos vs Iasmin Lucindo

Amanda Lemos vs Iasmin Lucindo

Amanda Lemos (14-4-1) is one of the most powerful athletes at women’s strawweight, throwing heavy shots that have earned eight professional knockouts. The 37-year-old might be slowing somewhat with age, however, resulting in recent losses to Virna Jandiroba and reigning champion Zhang Weili. Lemos is much more comfortable when marching down her opponents and can appear less effective when backed up against the cage. She is a strong starter but might flag late against a younger and faster opponent.

Iasmin Lucindo (17-5-0) is an MMA prodigy, competing in 22 professional bouts by the age of 23. The Brazilian still has holes in her game but has won her last four fights, and online bookies have her a slight favourite this weekend. Lucindo moves quickly around the octagon, sliding in and out of striking range to land her shots. Lucindo can struggle for sustained output at times, but she should be too slick here if she can avoid the heavy shots coming her way.

King Green vs Mauricio Ruffy

King Green vs Mauricio Ruffy

King Green (32-16-1) appears to be sliding toward the exit after a woeful performance against Paddy Pimblett last time out. The enigmatic 38-year-old seemed to show no interest during the brief loss to Pimblett, and his motivation must be questioned heading into this bout. Green is a slick boxer on his day, but he might be in for an early night in Las Vegas unless he can outwork a younger and hungrier athlete.

Mauricio Ruffy (11-1-0) has been a revelation since graduating from Dana White’s Contender Series, reeling off successive wins to show he belongs in the big league. The 28-year-old combines a high fight IQ with a full arsenal of strikes, and top betting sites have him as the shortest-priced favourite on this main card. A win here should catapult the talented Brazilian into the lightweight rankings, where further challenges await.

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