Justin Gaethje is just a few days out from his anticipated return to the Octagon when he takes on Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313.
‘The Highlight’ has been out of action since April last year when Max Holloway sensationally knocked him out in the final second of their UFC 300 co-main event BMF title fight.
Following that loss, it seemed as though Justin Gaethje was considering retirement, however, he was then booked to fight Dan Hooker at UFC 313 in what was a guaranteed Fight of the Year contender.
Unfortunately, for the fanbase and Gaethje, Hooker withdrew from the fight due to a broken hand. With the lightweight division being full of game contenders, though, Rafael Fiziev stepped in on just over a week’s notice.
Justin Gaethje reacts to being underdog at UFC 313
Ahead of his rematch against Fiziev, the 36-year-old has reflected on his last few performances and Gaethje believes that he has been ‘too safe’.
That reflection came as quite the surprise to the UFC fanbase, considering ‘The Highlight’ is widely regarded as one of, if not the most exciting fighter to ever step foot in the Octagon.
‘Attaman’ Fiziev hasn’t been in action since September 2023 when he fought fellow contender, Mateusz Gamrot and unfortunately suffered a brutal knee injury which has kept him out of action.
Despite having not fought since 2023, the Azeri is coming into UFC 313 as the favorite in the lightweight matchup.
During the pre-fight press conference this past Thursday, Gaethje and Fiziev had a hilarious interaction regarding the fight odds.
“I’m shocked, honestly, I’ve lost twice, (I’m coming back) after an injury, long time without a fight and I’m still favorite, ok, I’ll do my best,” Fiziev said at the presser.
“I think it’s because I went to sleep last fight. I’m pretty sure it’s because I went to sleep last fight,” Gaethje responded.
‘Ahhhhh,” Fiziev hilariously reacted.
Justin Gaethje could join exclusive $1million club with UFC 313 win
Gaethje is on the verge of a huge feat in his career and with an emphatic win over Fiziev, ‘The Highlight’ could reach $1million in post-fight bonuses.
The only fighter to have reached that feat so far, is Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone. Gaethje is currently on $900k from post-fight bonuses, having earned 13 bonuses from 13 UFC fights.
Despite that, the main thing Gaethje is hopeful of earning with a win at UFC 313, is a title shot against Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev has recently admitted he would like to fight Gaethje as opposed to potentially fighting featherweight star, Ilia Topuria, who recently vacated his title.
However, this past Thursday, Topuria teased at some huge news coming soon which the majority of fans believe will be a lightweight title fight.