Rafael Fiziev has stepped in on short notice to face Justin Gaethje in the co-main event of UFC 313. Gaethje’s last fight against Max Holloway left many questioning his condition despite the brutal knockout in the final round. Some believe he may not have fully recovered. However, UFC legend Matt Brown compared Gaethje’s situation to his career. While Brown sometimes admits to fighting for paydays, he doesn’t see Gaethje doing the same.
Gaethje’s opponent matters less than the outcome at UFC 313. A dominant win could push him back into title contention, while another brutal loss might force him to question his future in the sport. UFC legend Matt Brown, speaking on The Fighter vs. The Writer, noted that Gaethje isn’t fighting for paydays—he’s chasing a championship.
“He’s talked about it very openly. He’s not going to keep doing this if he’s not going to be champion. I felt the same way in my career, which is why I ultimately ended up retiring. It’s like, what are you doing? Just fighting for a payday? I did that some, but Gaethje, I don’t see him doing that. I don’t think he’s interested in fighting for paydays. I think he wants to be champion,” Brown said in the interview.
Matt Brown reveals dire stakes for Justin Gaethje at UFC 313: ‘I don’t think he’s interested in fighting for paydays’ https://t.co/gpM3RGzAhs
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) March 8, 2025
While a win over Rafael Fiziev won’t guarantee Gaethje a title shot, it keeps him in the mix for top contender bouts. Fans, however, would love to see him compete for the championship again.
Rafael Fiziev Admits He Didn’t Earn Justin Gaethje Rematch but Vows To Make It Count
Fans eagerly anticipated UFC 313’s action-packed co-main event, originally set between Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker. However, after Hooker withdrew due to injury, Rafael Fiziev stepped in on short notice. Grateful for the opportunity, Fiziev recently thanked Gaethje for accepting the rematch despite the risks.
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"I want to go and shake the hands of Justin and say… Bro, you give me this chance again, man. I'm not deserving of it and you give me this chance… Wow, thank you so much."
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 3, 2025
Rafael Fiziev is grateful for this opportunity against Justin Gaethje 🤝 pic.twitter.com/nSsquzn4aS
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, he acknowledged he didn’t deserve the fight but appreciated Gaethje giving him another chance. With both fighters ready, fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes lightweight showdown.
Also Read: Renato Moicano Shares The Reason He Missed Out On Justin Gaethje Fight At UFC 313
