Fire fight! Justin Gaethje defeats Rafael Fiziev again in awesome striking rematch | UFC 313

Thomas Myers is a trailblazer in the mixed martial arts (MMA) media industry, founding MMAmania.com at a time when it had yet to hit the mainstream (2006) and managing the always-popular online destination for almost two successful decades ever since.

Second verse, same as the first!

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) showcased a highly-anticipated Lightweight rematch fight fans didn’t know they needed tonight (Sat., March 8, 2025) as knockout artists Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev clashed once again inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, at UFC 313.

Entering the octagon, “The Highlight” Gaethje carried the weight of his last outing — a brutal UFC 300 knockout loss to Max Holloway that snapped his momentum (see it here). Prior to that setback, the 36-year-old had been on a tear, securing a title shot with a stunning high kick finish of Dustin Poirier (watch it). Though the timing didn’t align for an immediate championship bid, Gaethje opted to stay active, a decision that led to this pivotal moment.

Tonight, he aimed to reclaim his path toward a long-awaited showdown with 155-pound kingpin, Islam Makhachev.

On the opposite side of the Octagon, Fiziev stepped in on short notice, seizing the opportunity after Dan Hooker’s hand injury (details here) forced him out of the original pay-per-view (PPV) co-main event slot. Sidelined since Sept. 2023 because of a gruesome knee injury suffered in the cage against Mateusz Gamrot (video here), the Muay Thai specialist had been itching to return.

This rematch marked a high-stakes gamble for Fiziev: a win could catapult him into title contention, while a loss would mark his third straight defeat. When the chaotic dust finally settled in “Sin City,” it was Gaethje who once again did just enough to sway the ringside judges.

Fiziev came out early spamming low kicks as Gaethje bounced around, looking to find some type of rhythm. But, before he knew it, Fiziev was shooting for a takedown. Gaethje was able to get back to his feet quickly, but Fiziev did it again! This time there was a bit of an awkward scramble and Gaethje was in a weird spot, but he eventually powered back to his feet. Midway through the opening frame, Gaethje took a deep breath as the fans began to chant his name. Inside kick from Fiziev, as Gaethje lunged in with a weird jab that the Russian used to pull him closer and drill his mid-section with hard knees. More hard kicks from the Muay Thai specialist as Gaethje wrapped his arms around him, trying to figure out what was going on. Gaethje scored with a big overhand right with about 30 seconds on the clock, while Fiziev appeared to be adjusting to some sort of leg issue. Fiziev played keep-away for the final few seconds, knowing that he had round one in the bag.

Gaethje came out the aggressor to start the second, boxing up Fiziev’s ears early. Fiziev, who transitioned to a Southpaw stance, drilled Gaethje with a low blow, forcing a quick pause in the action. Low kick from Fiziev got him on the board 90 seconds into the round, but Gaethje drilled him with a hard right hook moments later. Another big right hand from Gaethje as Fiziev’s offense appeared to totally fizzle between rounds. Fiziev uncorked a few looping body shots ... then both fighters decided to trade absolute bombs in the center of the cage. Somehow, they both remained upright, tapping gloves and smirking like two psychopaths. Another left hand from Gaethje, then and uppercut counter from Fiziev. Gaethje then dropped him with a monster uppercut with one minute left on the clock. Fiziev fell to his back and got into a turtle-type position on his knees, where Gaethje drilled him with short, tricky shots. Gaethje eventually allowed him to return to his feet, drilling him with another hard shot on the break.

Third and final round, and it was pretty clear that whoever could turn in the better five minutes, would more than likely leave “Sin City” a winner. Gaethje started the action with another big uppercut as Fiziev’s corner screamed for a head kick. Elbows to the mid-section from Gaethje, then an other uppercut, which Fiziev couldn’t figure out. Fiziev then started to unload with kicks and knees to the body. Fiziev was just pouring it on with body work as Gaethje took deep breaths and head hunted. Nice right hand from Gaethje inside again as Fiziev tried to separate. Fiziev had Gaethje in a Muay Thai clinch and “Highlight” was able to break free with a wild head kick, showing off his versatility. Gaethje started to take over down the stretch despite all those brutal body shots. Nice one-two combination from Gaethje win one minute on the clock. He tried to transition into a takedown, but Fiziev was able to remain upright. The pair traded high kicks down the stretch and Gaethje did just enough, again, to secure a decision win.

Much-deserved title shot next?

Final result: Gaethje def. Fiziev via decision (29-28 x3)

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LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE TILT! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continues its 2025 pay-per-view (PPV) schedule on Sat., March 8, 2025, with a high-stakes clash between 205-pound kingpin, Alex Pereira, defending his Light Heavyweight crown against formidable No. 1-ranked contender, Magomed Ankalaev, in the five-round main event. In UFC 313’s electrifying co-headliner from inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lightweight fan-favorite and former interim champion, Justin Gaethje, will rematch the dynamic Rafael Fiziev in a three-round rematch, stepping in on short notice after Dan Hooker’s withdrawal due to injury. UFC 313 will also feature a hard-hitting Heavyweight battle between Curtis Blaydes and promotional newcomer, Rizvan Kuniev, alongside a Lightweight showdown with Jalin Turner facing Ignacio Bahamondes, and so much more! UFC 313’s start time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (“Prelims” undercard) and 10 p.m. ET (PPV main card).

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