It’s been two years since Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev last faced off in the octagon at UFC 286, treating fans to a thrilling bout that Gaethje won by majority decision after a stunning comeback. Since then, their careers have taken vastly different paths, leading up to their upcoming showdown at UFC 313. Initially, Gaethje was set to co-headline the event against Dan Hooker, but a hand injury forced Hooker to withdraw, leaving a void that Fiziev has stepped up to fill. The number three ranked lightweight will now face off against the number eleven ranked fighter in the division.
After their first encounter, Fiziev waited six months before returning to action against Mateusz Gamrot. However, a severe knee injury in the second round of that fight brought his career to a grinding halt, and he’s been sidelined ever since. Following a long and arduous recovery, many expected Fiziev’s return to be against a lower-profile opponent, allowing him to regain his confidence. Instead, he’s been handed an unexpected opportunity that he couldn’t refuse. “This is a miracle for me,” Fiziev admitted in an interview with Ariel Helwani. “I used to say that I didn’t want a rematch with Justin because I was far away from him, and I needed two or more wins to even consider it. Now, it’s like a miracle.”
Fiziev has expressed tremendous gratitude towards Gaethje for accepting the fight on short notice, acknowledging the risks involved. “I want to shake Justin’s hand and thank him for giving me this opportunity. I don’t deserve it, but he’s given it to me anyway,” Fiziev said, showcasing an unusual level of respect and admiration for his opponent. This display of appreciation is a rare sight in the world of MMA, but it highlights the unique dynamic between these two fighters. As Fiziev prepares to face Gaethje, he’s aware that he’s been handed a second chance, and he’s determined to make the most of it.
The question on everyone’s mind is whether Gaethje can recapture his vintage form. Four months after his win against Fiziev, Gaethje scored a brutal KO against Dustin Poirier to claim the BMF title. However, his attempt to defend it against Max Holloway ended in disaster, with Gaethje suffering a devastating KO loss. Since then, he’s been out of action, leaving many to wonder if he can regain his former glory. Gaethje himself has acknowledged that he needs to change his approach, saying, “I fell into the trend of not moving forward as much as I should… With Fiziev and Poirier, being more cautious worked, but that’s not the answer.”
As the two fighters prepare to face off, the stakes are high, and the expectations are palpable. One fighter is returning from a nearly two-year layoff, while the other is looking to bounce back from a crushing defeat. Despite their differing circumstances, both Gaethje and Fiziev speak the same language – the language of warriors. This Saturday, the T-Mobile Arena will play host to the highly anticipated rematch between two gladiators who promise to deliver an unforgettable spectacle to the fans. The stage is set for an epic showdown, and the world will be watching as these two fighters clash in a battle that’s sure to be etched in the memories of fans for years to come.
A Vintage Gaethje
The big question surrounding Gaethje is whether he can rediscover his vintage form. Will he be able to push the pace and take the center of the octagon, or will he adopt a more cautious approach? Whatever the strategy, one thing is certain – this fight has all the ingredients to be an instant classic. The combination of Fiziev’s elusive style and Gaethje’s aggressive nature promises to deliver a thrilling encounter that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. As the countdown begins, the world waits with bated breath to see what these two warriors have in store for us. Will Gaethje be able to overcome his recent setbacks and reclaim his spot among the lightweight elite, or will Fiziev capitalize on his second chance and make a statement in the division? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – this fight is going to be an unforgettable experience.