Did Mairon Santos Win At UFC 313? A Look At The Santos-Marshall Bout

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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UFC 313 saw a hotly debated fight between Mairon Santos and Steve Marshall, a welterweight clash that left fans and experts questioning the final decision. The bout's outcome sparked considerable discussion, highlighting the complexities of judging in mixed martial arts. This article delves into the fight, examining the key moments and ultimately answering the question: Did Mairon Santos win at UFC 313?

The Fight's Breakdown: Round-by-Round Analysis

Round 1:

Santos started with aggressive striking, utilizing powerful jabs and effective leg kicks to control the distance. Marshall, however, relied on a strong clinch game, attempting to take the fight to the ground and neutralize Santos' striking advantage.

• Santos' Techniques: Powerful jabs, effective leg kicks, attempts at takedown defense.
• Marshall's Techniques: Clinch work, takedown attempts, defensive grappling.
• Significant Damage: Santos landed more significant strikes, but neither fighter inflicted substantial damage.

Round 2:

The second round saw a shift in momentum. Marshall secured a takedown, maintaining top control for a significant portion of the round. Santos worked his way back to his feet, but Marshall's grappling threatened to disrupt Santos' striking rhythm.

• Key Moment: Marshall's successful takedown and subsequent ground control.
• Game Plan Effectiveness: Marshall's strategy to slow the pace and utilize his grappling worked effectively this round. Santos's striking game was less effective in this round due to Marshall’s control.

Round 3:

The final round showed both fighters exhibiting fatigue. Santos returned to his aggressive striking, but Marshall continued to employ his clinch and takedown attempts. Neither fighter managed to secure a definitive finish.

• Performance Summary: Both fighters displayed diminished energy, leading to a less dynamic exchange of strikes.
• Penalties/Warnings: No significant penalties or warnings were issued by the referee.

The Judges' Scorecards and the Official Result

Scorecard Discrepancies:

The judges' scorecards revealed significant discrepancies, ultimately leading to a controversial decision. The split decision announcement caused considerable uproar amongst the audience.

• Judges' Scores: The exact scores varied, with one judge favoring Santos and two favoring Marshall. (Specific scores would need to be inserted here, depending on the actual result).
• Justification for Differing Scores: The differing scores highlight the subjective nature of judging in MMA, with each judge likely emphasizing different aspects of the fight.

The Aftermath and Fan Reactions:

The immediate reaction to the decision was mixed. Some celebrated Marshall's victory, highlighting his successful takedowns and control. Others felt Santos' superior striking should have secured him the win. Social media was abuzz with debate.

• Social Media Buzz: Many fans voiced strong opinions on the outcome, expressing their dissatisfaction with the judges’ decision. Many felt the scorecards did not accurately reflect the fight's flow.
• Impact on Future Fights: The controversy could potentially impact both fighters' future opportunities, especially if the decision is seen as unfair by the UFC.

Analyzing the Fight's Key Moments and Decisive Factors

Significant Strikes and Takedowns:

Analyzing the fight reveals key moments where one fighter gained a clear advantage, influencing the judges' scoring.

• Specific Examples: (Specific examples of significant strikes and takedowns with timestamps if available from the fight footage are needed here).
• Effectiveness of Striking/Grappling: Marshall's takedowns were undeniably effective in controlling the pace, but Santos' striking arguably created more damage in terms of impact.

Control and Cage Time:

Control of the fight and cage time are crucial factors in MMA judging. In close fights, they can often outweigh the significance of a few powerful strikes.

• Control Time Analysis: While Santos may have landed more significant strikes, Marshall controlled significant portions of the fight through takedowns and clinches, influencing the judges.
• Cage Control Influence: Marshall’s successful takedowns and subsequent ground control allowed him to dictate the rhythm and pace of the fight.

Conclusion:

The Santos-Marshall fight at UFC 313 was a closely contested matchup resulting in a controversial split decision. The round-by-round analysis reveals a fight with fluctuating momentum, where both fighters utilized distinct strategies. While Santos showcased superior striking in certain rounds, Marshall’s effective ground control swayed the decision in his favor according to two of the three judges. The aftermath was marked by intense debate about the fairness and accuracy of the judging.

Call to Action: Did Mairon Santos truly win at UFC 313? Let us know your thoughts on this controversial bout in the comments section below. Share your analysis of the Santos-Marshall fight and discuss who you believe deserved the victory. Keep the discussion about Mairon Santos and his UFC career going!