Justin Gaethje’s UFC 313 plans nearly crashed and burned. The former lightweight king was locked in to trade blows with Dan Hooker in Las Vegas on March 8, until Hooker’s hand crumbled in training and tossed that matchup out the window. The UFC didn’t blink, launching a mad dash to snag a new opponent and keep Gaethje in the spotlight. After a whirlwind of nos, they roped in Rafael Fiziev for a second dance, years after their London classic. But Gaethje dropped a truth bomb that’s shaking up the story. Fiziev was nowhere near the first choice.
Had to run it back 👏@Justin_Gaethje vs @RafaelFiziev is the new #UFC313 co-main event! pic.twitter.com/G0ZulhHRRg
— UFC (@ufc) February 27, 2025
The UFC threw the offer at a laundry list of studs before Fiziev bit. Gaethje spilled it all online, writing, “Arman and Charles understandably said no. Max and Dustin understandably said no. Moicano got the call and said no.” That’s five studs, Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano, who all gave it a hard pass. Then he tipped his cap to the guy who didn’t back down. “Props to Fiziev for volunteering to fly across the world and take this fight,” he added. Fiziev’s hauling himself from the other side of the planet to tangle with The Highlight again.
Arman and Charles understandably said no. Max and Dustin understandably said no. Moicano got the call and said no. Props to Fiziev for volunteering to fly across the world and take this fight. Big risk here for me taking this rematch against and elite striker. Life’s a trip. Best…
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) February 27, 2025
Gaethje and Fiziev Gear Up
This rematch is do-or-die territory. Gaethje’s been clawing to climb back since Max Holloway smashed him with a wicked KO last April, a defeat he’s aching to bury. Fiziev’s been out of the game longer, sidelined since September 2023 when his ACL blew out against Mateusz Gamrot. Their first go was a three-round rollercoaster, and Gaethje’s well aware this one’s a gamble. “Big risk here for me taking this rematch against an elite striker,” he posted, then cranked up the hype with, “Life’s a trip. Best live show on earth going down March 8th #UFC313.” That’s a bold call for T-Mobile Arena.
It all kicked off when Hooker’s busted hand flipped the board. The UFC had the option to chill and wait, but they went full throttle, pitching the slot to a pile of big names. Five shut the door, then Fiziev kicked it open, saving Gaethje’s prep and handing fans a spicy redo of their London war. Both fighters are itching to turn things around, and March 8 is their stage. Gaethje’s swearing it’ll be a can’t-miss night, and with this wild ride leading up to it, he might just be right. Strap in, this one’s coming hot.
