Overview

• Rafael Fiziev accepted a short-notice fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 after Dan Hooker withdrew due to a broken hand.
• The rematch comes nearly two years after their first bout at UFC 286, where Gaethje won by majority decision in a hard-fought contest.
• Fiziev faces unique challenges, including limited preparation time and travel from Thailand, while Gaethje seeks redemption after his knockout loss at UFC 300.
• Former champions Kamaru Usman, Henry Cejudo, and Max Holloway have weighed in, emphasizing Gaethje's power and Fiziev's technical skill, with Holloway predicting a highlight-reel finish for Gaethje.
• Renato Moicano also expressed interest in fighting Gaethje but was not selected due to weight-cut concerns, leaving Fiziev as the more prepared option for the fight.