Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev once again put on a show for fight fans, delivering a back-and-forth war at UFC 313. With Gaethje already holding a majority decision win over Fiziev from UFC 286, this rematch carried high stakes. Fiziev was looking for redemption, while Gaethje aimed to solidify his claim for a title shot.
What made this fight even more dramatic was the short-notice nature of Gaethje’s return. Originally scheduled to fight Dan Hooker, Fiziev instead found himself standing across from ‘The Highlight’ after Hooker withdrew due to injury. Despite the late switch, both men entered the Octagon ready for war.
Fiziev Shocks with Early Takedowns
Known for his elite striking, Fiziev threw a curveball in round one by initiating grappling exchanges. The Muay Thai specialist took Gaethje down twice, looking to exploit a potential weakness in the American’s game. While Gaethje quickly scrambled back to his feet, Fiziev’s approach forced him into a more measured start.
As the round progressed, Gaethje landed a few clean power shots, but Fiziev’s speed and body kicks kept things competitive. Heading into round two, the fight
remained up for grabs.
Gaethje’s Uppercut Changes the Fight
The second round was where Gaethje came alive. After adjusting to Fiziev’s early wrestling-heavy strategy, he began finding a home for his devastating punches. Midway through the round, Gaethje dropped Fiziev with a massive uppercut, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Sensing an opportunity to finish, Gaethje followed Fiziev to the mat and unleashed a flurry of strikes. However, Fiziev displayed incredible toughness, surviving until the end of the round. As the fighters returned to their corners, the momentum had clearly shifted in Gaethje’s favor.
A Gritty Third Round Seals the Win
With the fight likely tied at one round apiece, both men came out swinging in the final frame. Fiziev pushed the pace, throwing high kicks and powerful shots to Gaethje’s body. But as the round progressed, fatigue became a factor for the Azerbaijani fighter.
Gaethje took full advantage, landing a series of clean jabs, hooks, and another vicious uppercut that had Fiziev on wobbly legs. The fan-favorite lightweight continued marching forward, dictating the exchanges and doing just enough to sway the judges in his favor.
When the final bell rang, the decision was clear—Gaethje had done enough. The judges all scored it 29-28 in his favor, marking his second victory over Fiziev and keeping his championship aspirations alive.
What’s Next for Gaethje? Title Shot or Another Big Fight?
With another thrilling win under his belt, Justin Gaethje is now one of the top contenders for a shot at the UFC lightweight title. Champion Islam Makhachev recently secured a dominant win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311, but he currently lacks a confirmed opponent for his next defense.
While Gaethje is a strong candidate, he may have to contend with Ilia Topuria, who recently vacated the featherweight belt to move up in weight. Additionally, Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan remain in the mix, making the lightweight title picture uncertain.
If Gaethje doesn’t get the immediate shot, he could find himself in another high-profile fight. A potential bout with former champion Charles Oliveira or a showdown against the surging Tsarukyan could serve as a title eliminator.
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