Justin Gaethje UFC 313 opponent confirmed: Dana White replaces stunning replacement for Dan Hooker
Dana White finds the best opponent for lightweight superstar Justin Gaethje after Dan Hooker pulled out of UFC 313.
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Dana White announces that Justin Gaethje will fight Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 (via Imago/X)
Lightweight superstar Justin Gaethje was originally supposed to fight Dan Hooker at UFC 313. However, the Kiwi fighter had to pull out after he injured his hand just a few weeks before the fight. As UFC desperately searched for a suitable short-notice replacement, it seems like Dana White has finally got the perfect matchup.
After Hooker pulled out, multiple lightweight fighters showed interest in fighting Justin Gaethje. Big names such as Renato Moicano, Rafael Fiziev, and Mateusz Gamrot were ready to make the weight. After all, with high risks come high rewards. Among them, White chose the name who isn’t a new face for Gaethje.
The new co-main event of UFC 313 here in Las Vegas is gonna be Gaethje vs. Fiziev…we fixed it. That’s a fun one.
Dana White via X
Gaethje and Fiziev are old rivals and competed with each other back in UFC 286. It was a three-round war, and Gaethje took the victory via majority decision. While fans preferred a new opponent for the ‘Highlight’, this fight does serve the purpose.
Dana White announces new #UFC313 Co-Main Event Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev.
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 27, 2025
Also, added to #UFC314: Jean Silva vs. Bryce Mitchell. pic.twitter.com/e4o5hr0GDC
In his last outing at UFC 300, Gaethje got brutally knocked out by Max Holloway in the very last second. After that, the American fighter mentioned that he would like to avoid getting slept like that in the future. However, with his violent fighting style, it doesn’t seem that feasible.
MMA expert reviews Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev 2
Justin Gaethje’s fighting style is a relentless blend of chaos and calculated destruction. He pressures opponents with brutal leg kicks, wild yet precise punches, and an iron chin that absorbs punishment. His aggression forces firefights, where he thrives, delivering highlight-reel knockouts.
Very few in the fight business have matched his energy and Rafael Fiziev was one of them. Ahead of their first fight, Gaethje promised to serve the Azerbaijani a humble pie and that’s exactly what he did. MMA journalist Luke Thomas recently talked about the fight and shared his opinion.
That was supposed to be one of those fights…the lightweight next generation was supposed to come up and sub-plant the existing lightweight generation that didn’t happen….It was close the first time, it was interesting the first time.
Luke Thomas via Submission Radio
The UFC lightweight division has always been one of the most stacked and competitive in the promotion’s history. Fighters like Justin Gaethje are a thrill to watch, but with only a few fights likely left in his career. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see whether the ‘Highlight’ can ever compete for the belt in the future.
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