Mauricio Ruffy shines with lightning-fast knockout at UFC 313 in Las Vegas

Brazilian fighter Mauricio Ruffy stole the spotlight at UFC 313, held on the night of Saturday, March 8, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a stunning knockout over American King Green at 2 minutes and 7 seconds of the first round, Ruffy solidified his meteoric rise in the UFC lightweight division. The decisive blow, a crisp right straight followed by a relentless flurry, silenced the local crowd and thrust the 28-year-old’s name into the global mixed martial arts spotlight. The victory, broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass starting at midnight (Brasília time) on Sunday, March 9, underscores the Brazilian’s potential as one of the sport’s brightest prospects.

The main event featured a middleweight title clash between champion Alex Pereira, another Brazilian standout, and Russian challenger Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira, entering as the favorite with odds of -120, faced an opponent unbeaten in 13 consecutive fights, promising a high-stakes battle of skill and stamina. The card also showcased stars like Justin Gaethje, Rafael Fiziev, Amanda Lemos, and Jalin Turner, drawing thousands to the arena and millions of viewers via ESPN+ pay-per-view.

With an estimated crowd of over 19,000 packing the T-Mobile Arena, UFC 313 cemented its place as one of 2025’s most anticipated events. The night delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, from swift finishes to razor-close decisions, highlighting the UFC’s competitive edge. Ruffy’s performance, in particular, sparked a frenzy on social media, with many hailing him as a future contender in the lightweight division.

Vitória confirmada de @RuffyMMA no #UFC313! ????

[ Assista o evento AGORA no @UFCFightPassBR | Assine já: https://t.co/OD62F561g5 ] pic.twitter.com/fclIhfGehx

— UFC Brasil (@UFCBrasil) March 9, 2025

Ruffy’s knockout steals the show

Mauricio Ruffy stepped into the octagon as the underdog, with odds of -535 against Green’s +400, but quickly flipped the script. Hailing from Belém, Pará, the Brazilian showcased impeccable conditioning and surgical precision, landing a straight that rocked the American early in the fight. Pressing forward without hesitation, Ruffy unleashed a barrage of punches that ended the bout at just 2:07 of the first round, securing a KO/TKO win. It marked his second UFC victory, boosting his professional record to 10 wins in 11 fights.

The knockout’s impact was instantaneous. Fans at the T-Mobile Arena erupted as Ruffy’s explosiveness took center stage, while analysts praised his growth since his 2024 UFC debut. At just 28, he boasts four knockouts in his career, blending speed and power in an aggressive style. Defeating Green, a veteran with over 20 UFC fights, positions Ruffy as a prime candidate to face ranked lightweight opponents in upcoming events.

Fellow Brazilian Brunno Ferreira also shone in the prelims. Taking on Armenian Armen Petrosyan in the middleweight division, Ferreira sealed a second-round victory at 4:27 with a flawless submission. The win adds to his tally of four UFC finishes since 2023, tying him with the organization’s top submission artists over that span. The night undeniably showcased Brazil’s dominance on the international MMA stage.

Pereira vs. Ankalaev: the title showdown

Alex Pereira headlined UFC 313 as the night’s biggest draw, defending his middleweight belt for the fourth consecutive time. Boasting an impressive record, the Brazilian squared off against Magomed Ankalaev, a Russian riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak. The championship bout in the 205-pound division kicked off at midnight (Brasília time) on March 9, anchoring the main card on ESPN+ PPV. Known for his devastating knockouts, Pereira tested his mettle against Ankalaev’s stout wrestling and durability.

Pereira’s UFC journey is remarkable. Since debuting in 2021, he has claimed titles in two weight classes (middleweight and light heavyweight) and notched memorable wins over Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill. His training camp at Teixeira MMA & Fitness in Connecticut, guided by legend Glover Teixeira, prepared him for this clash. Meanwhile, Ankalaev, with a calculated approach, aimed to dethrone the champion and cement his legacy as the division’s new king. The matchup promised a grueling test for both fighters.

The co-main event pitted lightweight stars Justin Gaethje against Rafael Fiziev in an electrifying showdown. Ranked third, Gaethje took on the 11th-ranked Fiziev in a rematch of their 2023 bout, which Gaethje won by majority decision. With tight odds (+136 for Gaethje, -162 for Fiziev), the fight had all the makings of a highlight-reel affair, fueled by both fighters’ relentless aggression.

Brazilian fighters rise at UFC 313

Beyond Ruffy and Pereira, other Brazilians left their mark on UFC 313. Amanda Lemos, ranked fifth in the women’s strawweight division, faced off against fellow Brazilian Iasmin Lucindo, the seventh-ranked contender, in a generational clash. With odds of +120 for Lemos and -142 for Lucindo, the bout promised sharp technique and intense striking exchanges, hallmarks of both athletes. Airing on the main card around 11:30 p.m. (Brasília time), it captivated Brazilian fans.

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In the prelims, Mairon Santos notched his first UFC win, edging out American Francis Marshall by split decision in the featherweight division. The fight went the full three rounds, ending at 5:00, and established Santos as a name to watch at 145 pounds. Djorden Santos also impressed, defeating Ozzy Diaz by unanimous decision in the middleweight class, displaying consistency across all three rounds and bolstering Brazil’s presence at the event.

Brazil’s hefty representation at UFC 313 reflects the country’s growing status as an MMA powerhouse. Of the 11 Brazilian fighters on the card, five emerged victorious, delivering knockouts, submissions, and decisions. This performance reinforces Brazil’s reputation as a breeding ground for martial arts talent, with Pereira and Ruffy leading the charge among the new wave.

UFC 313 schedule: times and highlights

UFC 313 followed a tight schedule tailored for a global audience. Here are the key times, adjusted to Brasília time (GMT-3):

• Early prelims: started at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, streamed on UFC Fight Pass.
• Prelims: began at 10 p.m., available on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+.
• Main card: aired from midnight on Sunday, March 9, exclusively on ESPN+ PPV.

The event was designed to maximize fan engagement, kicking off early and building to the title fight. The T-Mobile Arena, a staple for blockbuster UFC events, sold out weeks in advance. Online broadcasts reached millions, cementing UFC 313 as a cornerstone of the 2025 fight calendar.

Standout moments from the prelims

The prelims set the tone with gripping action. Joshua Van of Myanmar outlasted Japan’s Rei Tsuruya in the flyweight division, winning by unanimous decision after three rounds. Favored at -148, Van displayed technical mastery and endurance, while Tsuruya, at +124, couldn’t impose his game plan. The outcome strengthens Van’s rise in the stacked 125-pound division.

Brazilian Carlos Leal delivered another highlight, knocking out Alex Morono in the welterweight division at 4:16 of the first round. With odds of -750, Leal lived up to his billing, dazzling with speed and accuracy. Morono, at +525, couldn’t withstand the onslaught, paving the way for Leal to target ranked foes at 170 pounds. The prelims laid a thrilling foundation for the main card.

Brazilian dominance grabs headlines

The night belonged to Brazil, with victories resonating far beyond the T-Mobile Arena. Mauricio Ruffy emerged as a breakout star, his lightning-fast knockout hailed as one of UFC 313’s defining moments. Blending technique, ferocity, and charisma, the Pará native is on a collision course with the lightweight division’s elite, with analysts eyeing a top-15 matchup next.

Alex Pereira carried the weight of defending his title on one of the year’s toughest cards. His physical and mental preparation, paired with his big-fight experience, made him a formidable foe for Ankalaev. The main event’s outcome would shape the light heavyweight division’s future, influencing rankings and title contenders. Additional Brazilian wins from Brunno Ferreira and Mairon Santos only amplified the nation’s stellar showing.

UFC 313 fun facts

The Las Vegas event featured standout tidbits worth noting:

• Pereira’s record: he’s the only UFC fighter to surpass Francis Ngannou’s punch power record, measured at the Performance Institute.
• Ruffy’s main card debut: his win over King Green marked his first pay-per-view main card appearance.
• Close odds: three main card fights had odds under -150, signaling fierce competition.
• Brazilian turnout: 11 of the 26 fighters were Brazilian, the highest number in a single 2025 event to date.

These elements underscore UFC 313’s significance in the global MMA landscape, impacting divisional rankings across the board.