Gaethje Proves He’s Still Got It After Beating Fiziev
Justin Gaethje proved he still has what it takes at the top level after beating Rafael Fiziev via a unanimous decision at UFC 313: 29-28, 29-28, 29-28.
It was the second time Justin beat his man, following his majority decision win in their first clash. This was the perfect response to Gaethje’s defeat in his last bout. He was stopped by Max Holloway at UFC 300. Fiziev tried to impose his physicality by getting some early takedowns, but Justin remained composed to get himself back to a standing position. The two fighters were both throwing knees and kicks to the midsection to try and slow each other down. Near the end of the first, Justin landed a massive right hand that rocked Fiziev, who had swelling under his right eye.
Fiziev found some success with his jab in the second before Justin replied with a big right hand over the top. An uppercut then dropped Fiziev to the canvas as Justin went for the finish, but Fiziev managed to make it out of the second round. Fiziev started to slow down in the last round, reminding everyone in the arena that he had taken the fight on very short notice.
Gaethje Reacts
Gaethje landed a big head kick that connected on Fiziev’s face, followed by a barrage of shots. That burst was enough to get him the win, putting Justin back in the conversation for the biggest fights in the lightweight division. He may now target a bout with Ilia Topuria, who recently moved up to lightweight, if the latter cannot get the Islam Makhachev fight.
“I had to come back. I had to show everybody, I don’t give a shit how far down you are, it is on you to get back on the f***ing horse. That’s what we do. That’s who my parents taught me to be and I hope you’re teaching your kids the exact same thing. He also raved about Fiziev. “I had to start pushing forward. I mean, it was 12 days’ notice. For him not to get completely exhausted, he deserves so much credit. This sport is so f***ing crazy,” Justin said
Full Card
Magomed Ankalaev wins against Alex Pereira by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47).
Justin Gaethje wins against Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Ignacio Bahamondes wins against Jalin Turner by submission (triangle choke) at 2:29 of Round 1.
Amanda Lemos wins against Iasmin Lucindo by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Mauricio Ruffy wins against King Green by KO (spinning wheel kick) at 2:07 of Round 1.
Joshua Van wins against Rei Tsuruya by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Brunno Ferreira wins against Armen Petrosyan by submission (armbar) at 4:27 of Round 2.
Carlos Leal wins against Alex Morono by TKO (strikes) at 4:16 of Round 1.
Mairon Santos wins against Francis Marshall by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28).
Ozzy Diaz wins against Djorden Santos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
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