Almost the entire UFC community is expecting Gaethje vs Fiziev 2 to be another razor-close ‘Fight of the Night’ contender – but which way is ‘The Great’ swaying?
The original co-main event of UFC 313: Pereira vs Ankalaev was supposed to be ‘The Highlight’ against ‘The Hangman’ – unfortunately, Dan Hooker has been sidelined with a nasty hand injury.
Stepping in as a late-notice replacement is Rafael ‘Ataman’ Fiziev; and as fans countdown to this new-look lightweight scrap, one former champion has made a shock KO prediction.
Alexander Volkanovski shares bold KO prediction for UFC 313 co-main
Breaking down the entire main card via his YouTube channel, Alexander Volkanovski noted that despite “everyone looking forward” to Hooker vs Justin Gaethje, fans have got a fantastic replacement matchup in its place.
“We’re still in store for an insane fight, another great fight… Rafael’s coming in on short notice for a three-rounder again. Rafa was clearly winning the earlier rounds so I’m guessing that’s why he might be a favorite – because he was looking good early, but then he tired.
“He tired and this is on short notice, is this going to happen again, or because he’s going to land on Gaethje, does he land on Gaethje and end it?”
Fiziev is coming off a second-round TKO loss to Mateusz Gamrot (albeit due to a leg injury), whilst Gaethje was viciously knocked out by Max Holloway back at UFC 300.
“Interesting fight, I thought Rafael would be the underdog,” admitted the former featherweight champion, before predicting that ‘Ataman’ will get revenge on March 8 out in Las Vegas.
“I was going to come in steaming hot being like ‘Yes, Rafa’s my underdog pick’ and so I think that’s still the case… Rafa’s my guy, so I’m going to have to go with Rafael.
“It’s a tricky one because you know I like value, and Justin Gaethje [had] a full camp, so the value is there obviously… But I’m going with my dog, I reckon he’s going to come out hungry and he might get the finish early.
“If Rafa wins, it has to be by finish, and I think he can do it – I’m going with a KO victory for Rafa.”
At the time of writing, Fiziev remains the slight favorite at the bookies, although he retains only 31% of the picks on Tapology – the majority of whom are predicting a Gaethje decision win.
Dominick Cruz expects another hospital visit for Fiziev and Gaethje
Former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz doesn’t know who’ll claim victory in the UFC 313 co-main event, but he’s positive that Fiziev vs Gaethje 2 will be another fight for the ages.
“It’s a great opportunity for Fiziev and I tip my hat to Gaethje for giving [him] the opportunity,” the recently retired UFC legend explained to veteran reporter Helen Yee.
“There’s not a lot of guys willing to do rematches because they know. ‘Alright, I beat this guy, and I don’t wanna give him another shot to beat me’… I know Gaethje has prepared for a very hard fight, so it’s probably just par for the course for him to just adapt to a different style.”
Justin Gaethje was able to squeak past Rafael Fiziev in their first fight back in March 2023, and Cruz expects that the two lightweights will have attendees off their feet right from the opening bell.
“[Fiziev is] a pure kickboxer, not a lot of grappling, he’s gonna force on Gaethje. So, it’ll be a fun fight, just like it was the first time… They both went to the hospital. I have no doubt it’s going to be the same way this time.”
UFC 313: Pereira vs Ankalaev goes down live from Las Vegas on Saturday, March 8.