Pros React To Gaethje’s Win Over Fiziev – ‘What A Fight’
Justin Gaethje secured a win against Rafael Fiziev for the second time, as MMA insiders gave their reaction.
Justin defeated Rafael in their 2023 clash via a majority decision. While it was a unanimous decision this time around, it was not any easier: 29-28, 29-28, 29-28. Fiziev went for takedowns in the opening round, only for Justin to get out of them. The Highlight caught his man with a big right hand that buzzed him in the first, resulting in swelling under the eye. An uppercut then sent Fiziev to the canvas in the second. While Justin went for the finish, Rafael got out of the round. But he could not muster up a comeback, as Gaethje secured the decision. Here is what MMA pros thought about the decision.
Gaethje Reacts
“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
“I want to fight for the belt obviously, it’s a much different matchup than I just had. They tried to give me a donut, I took a bit but I gotta get back to running if I’m going to fight Makhachev. “I have to get my Jiu-Jitsu coach out here, really it’s just confidence. He’s a tough matchup for anyone, he’s so good, so strong. Going to have to have a perfect night if I want to beat him,” Justin added
Pros React
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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