Justin Gaethje prays to ‘walk out alive’ after UFC 313 war to golf with father and brother

Contrary to his usual fighting intentions, Justin Gaethje hopes to avoid a violent fight against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313.

Justin Gaethje prays to ‘walk out alive’ after UFC 313 war to golf with father and brother

Justin Gaethje reveals his plans after UFC 313 fight against Rafael Fiziev (Image via UFC/FB/Instagram)

The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, is preparing to host one of the most electrifying UFC fight cards this weekend. With Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev headlining the event, former BMF champion Justin Gaethje is set to face Rafael Fiziev in the co-main event. Given both fighters’ reputations as strikers, Gaethje is hoping for a safe conclusion to their matchup.

Just a few days before the UFC 313 pay-per-view event, the featured fighters spoke at a media panel. Justin Gaethje, known for his reputation as one of the most violent fighters in the UFC lightweight division, displayed a surprisingly different side during the press conference. Gaethje explained why he did not want a bloodbath against Rafael Fiziev, revealing his thoughts on the fight.

I’m just hoping I’m alive and I can walk so I can golf with my dad and brother the next day.

Justin Gaethje via UFC 313 media-day interview

Like many in the world, Gaethje has a close and wholesome relationship with his family. Over the years, the former BMF champion’s parents and siblings have frequently attended UFC events to support him in his fights. However, at 36 years of age, Gaethje seems to be more considerate about the brutality of fights that often end in bloodshed.

After avoiding such outcomes against Fiziev, the ‘Highlight’ is looking forward to enjoying time playing golf with his father and brother. Interestingly, Gaethje is just another golfer in the UFC community and enjoys spending his leisure time on the sport. However, even though he doesn’t want to engage in a bloodbath at UFC 313, Fiziev holds a different opinion. The Azerbaijani star aims for revenge at UFC 313.

Max Holloway makes his pick for the grudge match between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev

Originally, Dan Hooker was set to face Justin Gaethje in the co-main event of UFC 313. However, due to an injury complication on his hand, the Kiwi fighter had to withdraw. Rafael Fiziev agreed to step in on just one week’s notice. Interestingly, both Gaethje and Fiziev are coming off defeats from their last outings in the UFC.

Max Holloway throwing a counter hook at Justin Gaethje
Max Holloway throwing a counter hook at Justin Gaethje (Image via X)

While the ‘Highlight’ experienced a brutal knockout loss against Max Holloway, the ‘Ataman’ was unable to defeat Mateusz Gamrot. Notably, one of Gaethje and Fiziev’s previous opponents shared their thoughts on their upcoming fight. Interestingly, despite being considered the underdog, Holloway expressed confidence that the ‘Highlight’ can defeat Fiziev.

This is going to be a fight man. With Gaethje coming in as the underdog, this is easy picking for me. You need to roll with Gaethje, especially coming off of his last fight. He wants to erase that last loss with something huge so I’m calling this right now. I’m picking Justin Gaethje and I’m going with his nickname man, he’s going to have a highlight this fight. I think Justin, he got a lot to prove. I really can’t wait, I really can’t wait to see Justin go back in there and do his thing.

Max Holloway via YouTube

In their previous encounter, Gaethje emerged victorious over Fiziev after a hard-fought battle, winning by majority decision. However, Fiziev was disappointed with how their clash unfolded and has been eager for another opportunity to defeat the American lightweight. This weekend, Fiziev finally has that chance, and it will be interesting to see if he can capitalize on it.

Related: Under criminal investigation, Andrew Tate alerts Dana White with UFC 313 visit