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2mo ago

Rafael Fiziev to Replace Injured Dan Hooker Against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313

The lightweight rematch will serve as the new co-main event on March 8 after Dan Hooker withdrew due to a hand injury.

Dan Hooker and Claudio Puelles during UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden.
Justin Gaethje punches Rafael Fiziev during the Lightweight Bout between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev at The O2 Arena on March 18, 2023 in London, England.
Dan Hooker of New Zealand interacts with media during the UFC 257 press conference event inside Etihad Arena on UFC Fight Island on January 21, 2021 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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Overview

  • Dan Hooker was forced to withdraw from his UFC 313 fight against Justin Gaethje due to a fractured hand sustained during training.
  • Rafael Fiziev has been confirmed as Hooker’s replacement, stepping in on less than two weeks' notice for a three-round rematch with Gaethje.
  • Gaethje narrowly defeated Fiziev via majority decision in their first meeting at UFC 286 in March 2023, which earned Fight of the Night honors.
  • Fiziev has been sidelined for 18 months following a knee injury sustained in his last fight against Mateusz Gamrot in September 2023.
  • The UFC 313 event, headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev, is scheduled for March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.