Rafael Fiziev’s Risky Strategy Backfires: Justin Gaethje’s Tough Call Steals the Spotlight at UFC 313

Rafael Fiziev couldn’t believe his luck when he got a call about a fight he did not expect. After Dan Hooker had to back out of the UFC 313 match against Justin Gaethje, Fiziev saw his chance. This was an opportunity for redemption after his recent loss to Gaethje in March 2023, where he left the ring bruised and battered. But can he turn things around this time? Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo think the stakes are high for the Azerbaijani fighter.

To recap, Fiziev faced Gaethje at UFC 286 in London. It was an intense match with both fighters delivering powerful strikes. Fiziev, with a noticeable gash on his eye, fought hard, but Gaethje won by majority decision. Since then, Fiziev has been waiting for another shot.

When Fiziev learned he would get to fight Gaethje again, he expressed his disbelief, saying he never really thought it would happen. He thought, “Why would Justin want to fight me again?” But he’s stepping into the Octagon once more, facing one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport on short notice.

Recently, Usman and Cejudo shared their predictions on a podcast about the upcoming match. Usman reminded fans how the last fight ended, noting that many wanted to see more rounds. Cejudo, on the other hand, pointed out that while Fiziev has the skills to be a tough opponent, Gaethje is a force to be reckoned with. He has a 75% knockout rate in his wins, making him one of the fiercest strikers in the lightweight division.

Cejudo expressed concern about Fiziev’s casual confidence, suggesting that this isn’t just a friendly match. He believes that Gaethje will bring the heat, just as he did in their first encounter. Fiziev fought well last time but faced challenges from Gaethje’s relentless style.

Now, with limited time to prepare and a recent loss still fresh in his mind, Fiziev may be taking a big risk. His last fight was a TKO loss to Mateusz Gamrot in September 2023. On the other hand, Gaethje is also looking to bounce back after a setback against Max Holloway.

The pressure is immense. Gaethje is not just fighting to win; he wants to erase the memory of his past losses. Former champion Max Holloway weighed in, predicting that Gaethje, who is the underdog, will take this opportunity seriously. He believes Gaethje’s determination will lead to a memorable performance.

Fiziev’s skills are undeniable, but can they withstand Gaethje’s power? With such limited time to prepare, he might find himself in a tough spot. It’s a high-stakes game, and only time will tell if Fiziev can handle the heat.