In a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 313, Justin Gaethje emerged victorious against Rafael Fiziev, winning by unanimous decision. The fight, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, showcased both fighters’ striking prowess and resilience, with Gaethje landing the decisive blows that secured his win.
Key Takeaways
- Justin Gaethje defeated Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
- The fight was a rematch; Gaethje previously won their first encounter at UFC 286.
- Gaethje aims for a title shot against current champion Islam Makhachev.
- The bout was praised as a thrilling contest, earning Fight of the Night honors.
Fight Overview
The co-main event of UFC 313 was a rematch that fans had been eagerly awaiting. Gaethje, ranked No. 5 in the lightweight division, faced off against No. 11 ranked Fiziev, who was looking to bounce back after a lengthy injury layoff. The stakes were high for both fighters, with Gaethje needing a win to stay in title contention and Fiziev aiming to prove himself against a top contender.
The fight began with both fighters exchanging heavy strikes, showcasing their striking skills and tactical approaches. In the second round, Gaethje landed a powerful uppercut that sent Fiziev to the canvas, a pivotal moment that shifted the momentum in Gaethje’s favor.
Round Breakdown
- Round 1: Fiziev started strong, utilizing his speed and footwork to land effective strikes, earning him the round on most judges’ scorecards.
- Round 2: Gaethje turned the tide with a significant uppercut that dropped Fiziev, demonstrating his knockout power and ability to capitalize on openings.
- Round 3: The final round saw Gaethje increase his volume of strikes, wearing down Fiziev and securing the judges’ favor with a relentless offensive display.
Post-Fight Reactions
After the fight, Gaethje expressed his desire for a title shot against Islam Makhachev, stating, "I want to fight for the belt, obviously. That’s a much different matchup than the one I just had." UFC President Dana White hinted at the possibility of Gaethje receiving a title shot, noting his ranking and performance.
Fiziev, despite the loss, showed resilience and skill, and both fighters received praise from fans and analysts alike for their performance. Social media reactions highlighted the excitement of the fight, with many calling it a classic encounter in the lightweight division.
What’s Next for Gaethje?
With this victory, Gaethje positions himself as a top contender in the lightweight division. His focus now shifts to securing a title shot, potentially facing Makhachev later this year. The lightweight division remains competitive, and Gaethje’s performance at UFC 313 has solidified his status as a formidable opponent for any champion.
As for Fiziev, he will need to regroup and strategize for his next fight, aiming to climb back up the rankings after this setback. The lightweight division continues to be one of the most exciting in the UFC, with numerous fighters vying for the championship.
Sources
- UFC 313 live blog: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev 2, MMA Fighting.
- Justin Gaethje not interested in Dustin Poirier trilogy after UFC 313, MMA Junkie.
- Justin Gaethje beats Rafael Fiziev in rematch banger, MMA Junkie.
- Dana White gives Justin Gaethje reason for hope after win, MMA Junkie.
- Fighters react to Justin Gaethje beating Rafael Fiziev, MMA Junkie.
