UFC 313: Two Massive Last-Minute Fight Cancellations

Forbes - Mar 9th, 2025
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The UFC 313 event faced unexpected changes as two significant fights were canceled just before it commenced. Curtis Blaydes, ranked No. 5 in the heavyweight division, withdrew from his bout with Rizvan Kuniev due to contracting the norovirus. This fight, previously rescheduled from February, is now postponed once more. Meanwhile, John Castaneda also fell ill, leading to the cancellation of his fight against Chris Gutierrez. With these last-minute omissions, the card was reduced to 10 fights, though none from the pay-per-view segment, ensuring the main attractions remained intact.

These cancellations highlight potential vulnerabilities in event scheduling where health issues can disrupt highly anticipated matchups. Blaydes' absence continues his hiatus since his July 2024 defeat, while Kuniev's main-roster debut is further delayed. Castaneda, out of the octagon since June 2024, faces another setback, whereas Gutierrez, having fought in August 2024, might receive a quick rebooking. The event, held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, retains a strong lineup, featuring a light heavyweight championship bout between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev as its centerpiece.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely report on the cancellation of two UFC 313 fights, maintaining a neutral tone and logical structure. It accurately presents the key facts, though it would benefit from more transparency and source attribution. While the story is primarily of interest to UFC fans, it touches on broader themes of athlete health and event management, which could engage a wider audience. The lack of direct quotes or official statements limits its authority, but the factual consistency with other reports supports its credibility. Overall, the article effectively informs readers about the event's changes while highlighting areas for potential follow-up and deeper exploration.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the cancellation of two fights from the UFC 313 card, citing illness as the cause for both Curtis Blaydes and John Castaneda. Blaydes' illness is specifically identified as norovirus, which is a verifiable claim. The article correctly notes that this is the second time the Blaydes-Kuniev fight has been canceled. However, the article does not provide details on whether the illnesses are related or any official statements confirming future rescheduling, which are areas needing verification. The story's timeline and details about the fighters' recent histories align with known facts, enhancing its credibility.

7
Balance

The article maintains a neutral tone and provides a straightforward recounting of events without apparent bias. It focuses primarily on the cancellations and the impact on the fight card, which is appropriate given the context. However, it could have offered more perspectives, such as potential impacts on the fighters' careers or the event's audience. The lack of commentary from the UFC or the fighters themselves might leave readers wanting more insight into the broader implications of these cancellations.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and easy to follow, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the sequence of events. It clearly outlines the key points, such as the fight cancellations and the fighters involved, without unnecessary jargon or complexity. The tone remains neutral and factual, which aids in comprehension. However, the article could benefit from a brief summary or conclusion to reinforce the main points and provide closure.

6
Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite sources, which affects the perceived reliability of the information. While the facts presented are consistent with other reports, the absence of direct quotes or references to official statements from the UFC or the fighters reduces the authority of the reporting. Including such sources would enhance the article's credibility and provide readers with a clearer understanding of the situation.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency regarding its sources and the basis for certain claims, such as the specific illness affecting Blaydes and the potential for rescheduling. It does not disclose any methodology used to gather information, nor does it provide context about how the cancellations might affect the fighters or the event financially or logistically. Greater disclosure of these elements would improve the article's transparency and help readers assess the reliability of the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://www.sportsnet.ca/ufc/article/pair-of-ufc-313-fights-cancelled-last-minute-due-to-illnesses/
  2. https://www.thesportster.com/ufc-313-two-fights-canceled-just-hours-before-event-kickoff/
  3. https://www.si.com/fannation/mma/news/two-fights-cancelled-ahead-ufc-313-alex-pereira-magomed-ankalaev
  4. https://bloodyelbow.com/2025/03/08/ufc-313-delay-angers-fans-as-fights-start-over-one-hour-late-following-heavyweight-cancellation/