Justin Gaethje will probably be preventing Rafael Fiziev on March 18 at UFC 286.
At any time when Gaethje steps into the Octagon, followers can anticipate an entertaining struggle. ‘The Spotlight’ holds a 6-4 UFC report, along with his eleventh promotional bout coming towards a world-class striker in Fiziev. Choosing a winner between the elite lightweights is troublesome, however the matchup will probably be must-see motion within the O2 Area.
Gaethje has misplaced two championship alternatives in his final three fights. In October 2020, the Arizona native was coming off 4 consecutive wins, all inside the gap, towards James Vick, Edson Barboza, Donald Cerrone, and Tony Ferguson. ‘The Spotlight’ had his win streak ended by Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired after securing a second-round submission.
The American bounced again with an exhilarating victory towards Michael Chandler in November 2021. Six months later, Gaethje was matched up with Charles Oliveira for the vacant light-weight title. Sadly for him, he misplaced by a first-round submission. ‘The Spotlight’ is now trying to get again on monitor towards Fiziev in March.
Fiziev final fought in July 2022, defeating Rafael dos Anjos with a left hook within the fourth spherical. ‘Ataman’ prolonged his win streak to 6 after taking out Alex White, Marc Diakiese, Renato Moicano, Bobby Inexperienced, and Brad Riddell. The 29-year-old has emerged as a reputable title contender, however he nonetheless wants a win towards an elite opponent like Gaethje earlier than incomes a championship alternative.
What’s at stake between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev?
The winner of Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev might discover themselves preventing for the light-weight title subsequent outing. Islam Makhachev defended his throne on February 11, and he’s on the lookout for his subsequent opponent.
Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira are anticipated to struggle in Could, with the winner incomes a title shot. With that mentioned, Makhachev won’t need to wait six or extra months, that means the UFC would wish an alternative choice within the meantime.
Dustin Poirier has additionally been named as a possible opponent for Makhachev. Poirier has just one win (Michael Chandler) since dropping a light-weight championship struggle towards Oliveira, however the Louisiana native has star energy that helps his argument.
In the meantime, Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev will want one other win if the reigning light-weight king decides to attend for the winner between Dairush and ‘Do Bronx.’
