Justin Gaethje is gearing up for what he hopes will be another shot at the UFC lightweight championship this coming March 8. The former interim champion faces Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, hosted at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marking their second encounter after Gaethje edged Fiziev by majority decision at UFC 286. With current champion Islam Makhachev actively seeking fresh challengers, Gaethje believes this rematch could provide him with the means to reclaim his place among the title contenders.
Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) is coming off of a devastating last-second knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, which left him eager to bounce back. The 34-year-old fighter expressed his determination to secure another shot at Makhachev's title, emphasizing the importance of timing and performance within the sport. “I mean, I’m always shooting for Makhachev. Right now, he’s the champion,” Gaethje said during his appearance on “The Jim Rome Show.”
His confidence is tempered with the reality of his sport, where timing is key. Gaethje recounted how another former opponent, Dustin Poirier, rebounded from losing to him previously to earn his own title shot shortly thereafter. “With Charles (Oliveira) already losing to him twice, him being ahead of me; (Arman) Tsarukyan having his chance and pulling out the day of the fight or the night before, is definitely detrimental to his chances; (Ilia) Topuria coming up (to lightweight) and Makhachev saying he needs to fight somebody else first; there’s really not a lot of guys,” he noted. This highlights Gaethje's view of the lightweight division and the shifting dynamics affecting potential title shots.
The bout against Fiziev is particularly pivotal for Gaethje, especially considering the high stakes involved. He reflected on his immediate goal: “And so with the huge win here and certainly a finish, I think they’re going to have to considering me.” Even though he respects the abilities of his opponents, the urgency of his situation cannot be overstated. He remains ambitious and is focused on securing another title fight.
Gaethje’s last match against Fiziev showcased his resilience and tactical prowess, allowing him to complete the win through strategy rather than sheer force. It’s this experience and skill set he hopes to leverage once again. The atmosphere surrounding UFC 313 is expected to be charged with energy, as both fighters are aware of the significance this match holds.
Adding to the drama is the backdrop of Makhachev's title reign, which has seen its fair share of turbulence and controversy. Initially scheduled to face Tsarukyan at UFC 311, Makhachev ended up fighting Renato Moicano when Tsarukyan withdrew due to injury. Despite this, UFC CEO Dana White indicated Tsarukyan won't be getting his title fight rebooked immediately, which sets the stage for Gaethje's potential ascension should he succeed at UFC 313.
Leading up to the event, Gaethje has maintained his commitment to readiness, training rigorously to recover from the emotional and physical toll of his last fight. The spotlight is on him, and he knows it. “I’ve never fought him, and that's what we’re looking for,” he reaffirmed his intentions of facing Makhachev, hinting at the legitimacy of his championship aspirations.
Fiziev is no ordinary opponent, standing at 12-3 with proven knockout power and technical skill. It will take more than just heart and experience for Gaethje to triumph; he will need to display strategic prowess against Fiziev to solidify his claim to the next title shot. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the rematch will play out, judging by their previous bout’s close outcome.
With UFC 313 just days away, the anticipation is palpable. Will Justin Gaethje rise to the occasion and assert himself as the undeniable number one contender, or will Rafael Fiziev pull off the upset? The answers will come soon as the fighters prepare to make their way to the octagon for what promises to be another memorable evening of action.
This rematch isn't just another fight on the calendar; it's another step on Gaethje's quest to regain championship glory and is likely to shape the future of the UFC lightweight division.