Santos Admits Marshall Deserved UFC 313 Victory: A Fight Breakdown

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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Round-by-Round Analysis of UFC 313: Santos vs. Marshall

Round 1: A Close Opening

The first round showcased a clear disparity in striking prowess. While Santos attempted takedowns, Marshall consistently countered with superior striking accuracy and power. Control of the octagon was largely in Marshall's favor.

• Marshall landed several significant strikes, connecting with clean jabs and powerful crosses.
• Santos's takedown attempts were largely unsuccessful, hampered by Marshall's strong sprawl defense.
• While Santos managed some defensive moments, Marshall largely dictated the pace and range of the fight.

Round 2: Marshall Maintains Momentum

The second round saw a continuation of Marshall's dominance. He maintained his effective striking combinations, keeping Santos on the defensive. There was no significant momentum shift; instead, Marshall built upon his earlier success.

• Marshall continued to land significant strikes, accumulating clear points throughout the round.
• Santos showed little improvement in his takedown attempts, struggling to close the distance effectively.
• Marshall's fight strategy of controlled striking and effective defense proved highly successful.

Round 3: Decisive Moments and the Fight Outcome

The final round presented a chance for Santos to rally, but Marshall maintained his composure and continued his effective striking. While Santos showed some brief moments of offensive pressure, they were not enough to overcome Marshall's consistent control and accumulation of points.

• Marshall landed several more significant strikes, solidifying his control of the fight.
• Several near-finishes for Marshall underscored the disparity in effective striking.
• The final round analysis clearly points to Marshall's superior performance and deserving victory.

The Judges' Scorecards and the Controversy

The official judges' scorecards sparked outrage among fans and experts alike. The unanimous decision in favor of Santos defied the perception of many viewers and analysts who believed Marshall had clearly won.

• Judge 1: 29-28 Santos
• Judge 2: 29-28 Santos
• Judge 3: 29-28 Santos

The scoring criteria seemingly favored Santos' takedown attempts, even though they were largely unsuccessful in controlling the fight. The fan reaction was swift and widespread, with many expressing disbelief and disappointment in the judging. Expert opinion largely mirrored the fan reaction, with prominent MMA analysts criticizing the scorecards and questioning the judges' objectivity. The MMA community reaction highlighted widespread concerns about judging inconsistencies in the UFC.

Santos' Admission and its Significance

In a post-fight interview, Santos surprisingly admitted that Marshall deserved the win. This unprecedented display of sportsmanship and honesty adds another layer of complexity to the already controversial decision.

• Santos's admission demonstrates a commitment to fight integrity and respect for his opponent.
• His honesty immediately shifts public perception of the fight, validating the many observers who felt Marshall was robbed of a victory.
• The impact of his admission underscores the importance of accountability and honesty within the sport.

Technical Breakdown of Fighter Strategies and Skillsets

The fight highlighted a clear contrast in fighting styles. Marshall employed a superior striking game characterized by accuracy, power, and effective distance management. Santos attempted a ground-based game but failed to execute it effectively.

• Marshall's tactical approach of controlled striking proved extremely effective.
• Santos's strategy lacked the precision and power needed to counter Marshall's striking.
• A technical analysis reveals Marshall's clear superiority in significant strikes landed and control of the octagon.

Conclusion: Santos Admits Marshall Deserved UFC 313 Victory: A Final Verdict

In conclusion, Santos's admission that Marshall deserved the UFC 313 victory underscores the widespread belief among viewers and analysts that the judges' scorecards were inaccurate. The controversy surrounding the judges' decision and Santos's commendable acknowledgement highlight the need for greater transparency and consistency in MMA judging. The Santos vs. Marshall UFC 313 debate continues to rage, and we urge you to share your opinions in the comments section below. Continue following updates on future UFC events and engage with the ongoing discussion surrounding this pivotal fight.