Justin Gaethje faces a pivotal moment in his career at UFC 313, as a win against Rafael Fiziev could reignite his title aspirations, while another loss might lead him to reconsider his future in fighting.
Justin Gaethje might be facing a pivotal moment in his career at UFC 313. After a shocking knockout loss to Max Holloway, the 36-year-old lightweight took nearly a year off to recover. Now, he’s stepping back into the octagon for a rematch against Rafael Fiziev, who jumped in after Dan Hooker was sidelined with a broken hand.
Gaethje previously secured a majority decision win over Fiziev, but this fight’s result could significantly impact his future. A triumphant return might propel Gaethje back into title contention. However, another crushing defeat could force him to reconsider his fighting career altogether.
“He’s talked about it very openly,” Matt Brown shared on The Fighter vs. The Writer. “He’s not going to keep doing this if he’s not going to be champion.” Brown understands Gaethje’s mindset, having faced similar choices himself. What’s the point of fighting if not for glory?
If Gaethje can secure a victory, he might find himself back in the mix for contender fights. Although beating Fiziev alone won’t earn him a title shot, it opens doors to bigger opportunities. His relentless style and knack for thrilling fights keep him in the conversation.
Despite the setback against Holloway, many believe Gaethje can still make a championship run with just one win. Yet, he’s always been mindful of the toll his fighting style takes on his body. After such a brutal loss, taking time off was wise.
Brown praises Gaethje for prioritizing his health, noting that fighters like him and Robbie Lawler are often misunderstood. Their wild fighting styles mask their intelligence and thoughtfulness outside the cage.
In recent years, Gaethje has worked hard on improving his defense. Brown suggests that adopting a smarter strategy against Fiziev could be key. But let’s face it—Gaethje didn’t earn the nickname "The Highlight" by playing it safe.
Will the memory of Holloway’s knockout linger? Brown can’t say for sure; every fighter processes losses differently. For Brown, getting knocked out once actually loosened him up—made him see it wasn’t the end of the world.
As for Gaethje’s chin, only time will tell if it’s been permanently affected by that loss at UFC 300. Brown hopes not because Gaethje’s fearless style has brought him success and excitement in the octagon.
Facing Fiziev is no walk in the park, especially if there are lingering psychological effects from past defeats. But Gaethje’s honesty about being "excited to be scared again" shows resilience and courage.
“Fiziev is tough,” Brown admitted. “If you’re gun shy or nervous about getting hit, you’ll get hit fighting him.” Yet, Gaethje’s openness about his fears is refreshing and real—a testament to his character.
For more insights and stories like these, tune into new episodes of The Fighter vs. The Writer every Tuesday on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.