UFC 313 Rumors: Tom Nolan Teases Fight, Which Fighters Could Be Replaced?

In the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts, fight cards are subject to change at a moment’s notice. As UFC 313 approaches, a cryptic post from rising star Tom Nolan has set the MMA community abuzz with speculation. The undefeated lightweight prospect took to Instagram with a message that has fans and pundits alike wondering if he might be stepping in as a last-minute replacement for the upcoming pay-per-view event.

Nolan’s post, which stated “Cheers for the private jet, see you soon boss @danawhite 👊🏻🛩️” has ignited a firestorm of rumors and theories about potential changes to the fight card. The timing of this tease is particularly intriguing, coming just days before the event is set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With Nolan’s impressive 9-1 professional record and his recent dominant performances in regional promotions, many believe he could be UFC-ready and primed for a short-notice debut on one of the biggest stages in MMA.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tom “BigTrain” Nolan (@bigtrainufc)

The possibility of Nolan’s inclusion in UFC 313 raises questions about which fights on the current card might be in jeopardy. While no official announcements have been made regarding any changes, the MMA world is rife with speculation about potential matchups that could be affected.

Potential Lightweight Replacements

One possibility is the lightweight bout between Bobby Green and Mauricio Ruffino. Green, known for his willingness to take short-notice fights, is always a wildcard when it comes to fight week. If Green were to withdraw for any reason, Nolan could be an interesting replacement to face the Brazilian Ruffino. This matchup would pit Nolan’s striking aggression against Ruffino’s experience, potentially creating an explosive contest.

🚨 King Green will fight Mauricio Ruffy at #UFC313 on 3/8.
🔎 (@AlexBehunin) #FightMatrix #UFC #MMA #MMARankings pic.twitter.com/6AcCTYYMVq

— FightMatrix.com (@Fight_Matrix) January 29, 2025

Another lightweight clash that could see a shakeup is the fight between Jalin Turner and Ignacio Bahamondes. Both fighters are known for their striking prowess, making this a fan-favorite matchup. However, if either Turner or Bahamondes were to pull out, Nolan could step in to maintain the bout’s potential for fireworks. Nolan’s aggressive style would mesh well with either opponent, promising an action-packed fight regardless of the pairing.

A Possible Welterweight Debut?

While Nolan has primarily competed at lightweight, it’s not uncommon for fighters to move up a weight class for short-notice UFC opportunities. This opens up the possibility of Nolan stepping in for the welterweight bout between Alex Morono and Carlos Leal. Morono, a UFC veteran with a penchant for exciting fights, would be a stern test for Nolan if he were to make his UFC debut at 170 pounds. Alternatively, if Leal were to withdraw, a Nolan vs. Morono matchup could provide an intriguing clash of styles and experience levels.

Alex Morono will take on Carlos Leal at UFC 313 on March 8th

Alex Morono holds a record of 24-11, 1 NC. He has a 54% finish rate with 6 KOs and 7 submissions. Morono is 1-3 in his last 4, losing to Daniel Rodriguez, Niko Price, and Joaquin Buckley. His UFC record stands at 13-8,… pic.twitter.com/gsxype6Zor

— Talking UFC (@Talking_UFC) January 3, 2025

The potential for Nolan to compete at welterweight also showcases his versatility and willingness to seize opportunities, traits that are highly valued in the UFC. A successful debut at a higher weight class could open up even more doors for the promising fighter in the future.

As we approach fight week, the UFC’s medical and weight-cutting protocols will be in full effect, potentially leading to last-minute changes in the card. Nolan’s tweet suggests he may be on standby, ready to step in if needed. This level of preparation and eagerness to compete aligns well with the UFC’s desire for fighters who are always ready to answer the call.

It’s worth noting that at this stage, no official announcements have been made regarding changes to the UFC 313 card. Nolan’s tweet remains a tease, and it’s possible that it could be related to other developments, such as a future fight booking or simply his attendance at the event. However, the mere possibility of Nolan’s inclusion has added an extra layer of intrigue to UFC 313. Fans will be closely monitoring official UFC channels and weigh-in results for any signs of last-minute adjustments to the fight card.

As the MMA community continues to speculate on the meaning behind Nolan’s cryptic message, one thing is clear: the undefeated prospect has successfully captured the attention of fans and media alike. Whether he steps into the Octagon this Saturday or not, Tom Nolan has demonstrated the kind of savvy self-promotion that can elevate a fighter’s profile in the competitive world of mixed martial arts.

With UFC 313 just days away, the potential for last-minute drama serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of combat sports. As we count down to fight night, all eyes will be on Las Vegas, eagerly anticipating any developments that could reshape the landscape of this highly anticipated event.