Justin Gaethje thrives in chaos. At UFC 313, he proved it once again. Stepping into the Octagon against Rafael Fiziev for their long-awaited rematch, ‘The Highlight’ didn’t just fight, he waged war. This time around, Gaethje dug deep, weathered an early wrestling assault, and turned the tide with his signature power shots.
But Gaethje’s performance wasn’t just about revenge. It sent a ripple through the lightweight division, with a former champion making an immediate call. One that might not sit well with Charles Oliveira!
The fight was a rollercoaster from the opening bell. Fiziev, known for his striking, threw everyone off by wrestling early. Two quick takedowns had fans wondering if Gaethje would survive a grappling-heavy attack.
Then, the fight exploded. Round two saw Gaethje drop Fiziev with a vicious uppercut before following him to the canvas. As the final seconds ticked down, it looked like the fight might end right then and there. But somehow, Fiziev dragged himself to his corner.
With one round apiece, the third was anyone’s for the taking. Fiziev came out swinging, landing big kicks to the. But Gaethje, like a storm gathering strength, pushed forward. As Fiziev slowed, the former BMF champion poured it on, securing yet another decision win.
The reaction was instant on X, with Aaron Bronsteter summing it up best by stating, “That third round was insanely close. Fiziev won the first half, Gaethje won the second half. I think either outcome is acceptable.”
But when the judges’ scores were revealed, he followed it up with, “Gaethje earns the unanimous decision win over Fiziev (29-28 X3) Absolutely awesome fight!”
29-28 Gaethje. Makhachev vs Gaethje is the title fight to make for International Fight Week! #UFC313
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) March 9, 2025
However, Henry Cejudo then sent rumbles in the MMA sphere, by posting, “Makhachev vs Gaethje is the title fight to make for International Fight Week!” And then there was Charles Oliveira. The former champion had been eyeing his own shot at Islam Makhachev, but now, with Gaethje’s performance, his path to gold may have just got murkier.
He kept it short and respectful, posting, “Guys delivered. Great co-main event.” But make no mistake, ‘Do Bronx’ knows what’s at stake.
So, what happens next? Will Justin Gaethje leapfrog Oliveira for the next crack at Makhachev? Or will Oliveira make his case stronger?
More to follow…
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