Justin Gaethje set for huge short-notice rematch at UFC 313

Former UFC interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has a new dance partner for UFC 313, and it’s someone he’s shared the Octagon with before.

Gaethje was all set to take on New Zealand’s Dan Hooker at T-Mobile Arena on March 8, but “The Hangman” revealed this week that he had fractured his hand in training and was ruled out of the matchup.

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

It left Gaethje without an opponent, with just two weeks to go until fight night, and the chances of landing a top-drawer opponent on short notice seemed slim.

But, after UFC lightweight contenders Mateusz Gamrot, Renato Moicano and Rafael Fiziev each raised their hands and offered to step in, the UFC picked Fiziev, with the Kyrgyzstani contender set to face Gaethje for the second time.

The pair first met in London, England at UFC 286 in a fight that Gaethje won via majority decision after three super-competitive rounds at The O2 Arena.

Now the pair will run it back in Sin City, with Fiziev making his return to action after an injury hiatus that has seen him out of competitive action for the past 18 months. The bout was officially announced by UFC president and CEO Dana White on Instagram Live.

Dana White announces new #UFC313 Co-Main Event Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev.

Also, added to #UFC314: Jean Silva vs. Bryce Mitchell. pic.twitter.com/e4o5hr0GDC
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 27, 2025

He’ll be looking to avenge his loss to Gaethje in their first fight and catapult himself into title contention in the process. Gaethje, meanwhile, will look to rebound from his last-second knockout to Max Holloway at UFC 300.

UFC 313: Confirmed bouts

MAIN CARD

Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev – for light heavyweight title
Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev – lightweight
Jalin Turner vs Ignacio Bahamondes – lightweight
Amanda Lemos vs Iasmin Lucindo – women's strawweight
King Green vs Mauricio Ruffy – lightweight

PRELIMINARY CARD

Curtis Blaydes vs Rizvan Kuniev – heavyweight
Joshua Van vs Rei Tsuruya – flyweight
Brunno Ferreira vs Armen Petrosyan – middleweight
Alex Morono vs Carlos Leal – welterweight

EARLY PRELIMS

Mairon Santos vs Francis Marshall – featherweight
Djorden Santos vs Ozzy Diaz – middleweight

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