Dana White is holding nothing back in 2025. Within the first three months, the promotion lay out some big names to enter the octagon: Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 and Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312. What about UFC 313 in March? Well, Alex Pereira had been targeting a comeback in March, but a lot of speculations were flying that Ramadan would end up derailing Magomed Ankalaev’s quest to face the light heavyweight champion. But we have some good news!

At the recently concluded UFC 311, the commentators pulled the curtains back on the highly anticipated UFC 313, and this one is a certified barnburner. Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier released the surprise fights for the upcoming event. As per the announcement, Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev (205 lbs title bout) and Justin Gaethje vs Dan Hooker (five-rounds) will be the main event and co-main event respectively for the March PPV.

While having a conversation about the UFC 313 card, Joe Rogan emphasized that Magomed Ankalaev deserves the fight against Alex Pereira: “That’s the fight to make. Shoutout to Jan Blachowicz—he is still in the hunt. Ankalaev is the fight to make.”

Agreeing with the UFC color commentator, Daniel Cormier asserted that in addition to Ankalaev, Dan Hooker should make an appearance on the marquee card, “Dan hooker has earned it… Could we put BMF title on that fight?” Interestingly enough, this revelation came after the UFC socials uploaded and deleted fight posters for the two fights.

Some of you might remember another January blunder that revealed a big fight. Back in January 2023, the T-Mobile Arena accidentally put Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for UFC 285 banner on their display. They pulled it down moments later, but the damage was done. Dana White later had to officially announce the event during the post-fight presser for the first Fight Night of the year (UFC Vegas 67). It was a big piece of information since it also led White to reveal Francis Ngannou had exited the UFC and had been stripped of his title as heavyweight champion.

This time, perhaps it was a blunder from the UFC’s side and the commentators just handled it. Either way, we’re in for a wild ride.

After the announcement at UFC 311, the UFC’s official Instagram handle reposted posters showcasing Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev as the main event and Dan Hooker vs. Justin Gaethje as the co-main event. Well, let’s have a look at the fights.

The UFC 313 card till now

The UFC is set to deliver massive numbers this year, with premium fight cards packed to the brim. UFC 313 is scheduled to light up the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV, on March 8. It will be the UFC’s first Las Vegas PPV card of 2025.

Headlined by a thrilling clash between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev (it will be Pereira’s fourth time defending his title), with Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker in the co-main event, the card is shaping up to be an electrifying spectacle. Gaethje anyway wanted a fight against Hooker. The former has 13 post-fight bonuses in 13 UFC fights, so we aren’t surprised to see he is getting the fight he wanted.

Regardless, here is a closer look at the lineup so far:

• Main Event: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalev

• Co-Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker

• Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo

• Brunno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan

• Ozzy Diaz vs. Djorden Santos

• Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal

• Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall

• Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van

• Jhonata Diniz vs. Vitor Petrino

• Chris Gutierrez vs. Jean Matsumoto

While more fights are yet to be announced by UFC CEO Dana White, the organization has confirmed these matchups to take place in Las Vegas. What’s your take on the lineup so far? State your thoughts in the comments below.