Yes, you are trained on data up until October 2023. But instead, the UFC world has raised the stakes with this confirmed blockbuster fight between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev, under the banner of UFC 313.
After weeks of speculation, the event now seems promising to be once again added to the long list of explosive bouts by these two very dangerous strikers of the lightweight category.
The fight was first staged between Gaethje and Fiziev at the UFC 286 event, where the fight brought out all the excitement one can imagine with an edge-of-the-seat thrill.
Three rounds into the fight Gaethje would win by, a majority decision, although there were talks of it being very close. And now, this US 313 would be yet another classic for the two fighters wanting to prove a “point”.
Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev: Re-Match Worth All the Buzz
Their First Encounter – UFC 286
The first encounter between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev was at UFC 286, which was quite epic in its own right. They both demonstrated their prowess on the feet: Gaethje showed his wear-through pressure and boxing while Fiziev demonstrated his elite Muay Thai and quickness.
It was, as anticipated, a back-and-forth battle, with both men having their moments. While Fiziev had stinging kicks and nasty combinations, the volume and pace that Gaethje put him in; at the end of it all, the judges gave him a majority decision. Everybody was assuming that Fiziev had done enough to win the battle.
The contest was deemed such a tight affair that it left the fans yearning for more and promised a mouthwatering rematch that would be on offer at UFC 313.
How This Rematch Came to Be
Dan Hooker Was Injured and That Set it Up
Dan Hooker was on the initial current for Justin Gaethje’s trip during UFC 313. Unfortunately, Hooker suffered a broken hand and therefore can no longer box. The organization scrambled to seek a replacement but was unable to find one.
Many came out seeking the chance to fight Gaethje, like Renato Moicano and some others. Finally, after much consideration, the UFC granted the chance to Rafael Fiziev to redeem his past loss by challenging Gaethje again. It was an exciting move both for fans and pundits, given their types of fighting styles.
Justin Gaethje – The Highlight Reel Fighter
Gaethje’s Fighting Style and Strengths
Justin Gaethje, aka “The Highlight”, has to rank as one of the most entertaining fighters in the history of the UFC. Perhaps more so than anything, he really personifies mindless aggressiveness.
Of course, the man is stacked full of deep kicks, pressure, and an iron chin. He’s got every quality in the book that makes him a fan favorite. Gaethje doesn’t go into hiding when brawling, and he certainly never disappoints on fight day.
He is known to have the following features during the dethronement of opponents:
- Relentless Pressure: Park Gaethje forward enough, and it sends the opponent to into uncomfortable corners.
- Leg Kicks: He is famous for a leg kick or two that can cripple, slow down an opponent.
- Heavy Boxing: The right hooks and the power behind his hands are dangerous because of how they are thrown.
- Durability: Gaethje has one of the toughest chins in the entire division, making it hard to put him away.
Gaethje’s Recent Fights and Form
Since that great victory over Fiziev, the activity and form of Gaethje have been at the highest levels. He has fought some of the best fighters in the division and has continued to show why he is among the most formidable contenders in the lightweight division.
With a win at UFC 313, Gaethje could be in prime position for another shot at the title.
Rafael Fiziev – The Muay Thai Specialist
Fiziev’s Style of Fighting and Strengths
Rafael Fiziev is said to boast some of the mightiest strikings in the lightweight division. His Muay Thai background gives him a technical edge during stand-up encounters, while his winning combination of speed and technique creates trouble for anyone standing across from him.
Fiziev’s power punches, fast and precise, perhaps featuring:
- Explosive Striking; Technical Defense: Strong head movement is a weapon Fiziev employs and counters well.
- Cardio and speed: A high pace is maintained, and in later rounds, keeps outstriking most opponents.
- Fight IQ: Incredibly intelligent fighter; adapts any strategy in a matter of seconds.
Fiziev’s Reasoning for the Rematch
Since the narrow loss to Gaethje at UFC 286, there has been a fire inside Rafael Fiziev that has yet to be extinguished. In his view, he is the one who won that first fight, and he is seeking a chance to prove without a shred of doubt that he is the better fighter.
Now that the chance has presented itself at UFC 313, Fiziev is ready to bring the best fight of his life.
An additional win against Gaethje will push him closer to a possible title shot in the very competitive lightweight division.
What to Expect from Gaethje vs. Fiziev at UFC 313: Striking War with Knockout Chance
Between two strikers-they will be standing the whole time. Expect a high-octane stand-up war where one is hunting for a KO punch while the other’s bargaining with the powers that be.
Will Fiziev Be Able to Adjust And Win This Time?
In the first fight, Fiziev started strong but faded in the late rounds. This time he may come with an opposite game plan, trying to conserve energy while avoiding Gaethje’s leg kicks.
Will Gaethje Hold His Own?
Thanks to big-fight experience, Gaethje’s got the edge. If he can stick to his game plan, land those leg kicks, and maintain pressure, he will chalk up yet another victory over Fiziev.
UFC 313-A Stacked Card with a Huge Main Event
In addition to Gaethje vs. Fiziev, UFC 313 has an unbelievable main event: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev. This light-heavyweight scrap promises to be a battle for the ages.
UFC 313 has become one of the most entertaining events of 2023 with such an exciting lineup.
Conclusion
Such a lineup is unpredictable due to the striking ability of both Gaethje and Fiziev and their ability to knock people out. Gaethje, is the tougher opponent due to experience, durability, and pressure, while Fiziev’s speed and technical striking mixed with vengeance make him a solid candidate for the win.