Justin Gaethje thrives in chaos. At UFC 313, he proved it once again. And that may have been enough to make a case for a third, and possibly final, shot at the lightweight title. Gaethje’s performance wasn’t just about revenge. It sent a ripple through the lightweight division, with a former champion making an immediate call. One that might not sit well with Charles Oliveira!

Stepping into the Octagon against Rafael Fiziev for their long-awaited rematch, ‘The Highlight’ didn’t just fight, he waged war. This time around, Gaethje dug deep, weathered an early wrestling assault, and turned the tide with his signature power shots. The fight was a rollercoaster from the opening bell. Fiziev, known for his striking, threw everyone off by wrestling early. Two quick takedowns had fans wondering if Gaethje would survive a grappling-heavy attack.

Then, the fight exploded. Round two saw Gaethje drop Fiziev with a vicious uppercut before following him to the canvas. As the final seconds ticked down, it looked like the fight might end right then and there. But somehow, Fiziev dragged himself to his corner. With one round apiece, the third was anyone’s for the taking. Fiziev came out swinging, landing big kicks to the body. But Gaethje, like a storm gathering strength, pushed forward. As Fiziev slowed, the former BMF champion poured it on, securing yet another decision win.

The reaction was instant on X, with Aaron Bronsteter summing it up best by stating, “That third round was insanely close. Fiziev won the first half, Gaethje won the second half. I think either outcome is acceptable.” But when the judges’ scores were revealed, he followed it up with, “Gaethje earns the unanimous decision win over Fiziev (29-28 X3) Absolutely awesome fight!”

However, Henry Cejudo then sent rumbles in the MMA sphere, by posting, “Makhachev vs Gaethje is the title fight to make for International Fight Week!” And then there was Charles Oliveira. The former champion had been eyeing his own shot at Islam Makhachev, but now, with Gaethje’s performance, his path to gold may have just got murkier. He kept it short and respectful, posting, “Guys delivered. Great co-main event.” But make no mistake, ‘Do Bronx’ knows what’s at stake.

So, what happens next? Will Justin Gaethje leapfrog Oliveira for the next crack at Makhachev? Or will Oliveira make his case stronger? Because another UFC legend believes there’s an obstacle standing in the Brazilian’s aspirations for a shot at the champion!

Chael Sonnen lays out the troubled path that may lie ahead for Charles Oliveira’s championship dreams

Charles Oliveira isn’t just dealing with Justin Gaethje in the race for Islam Makhachev’s throne—there’s another name in the mix. Ilia Topuria. The undefeated featherweight king recently vacated his title for a shot at lightweight gold. But is he skipping the line?

According to Chael Sonnen, speaking on his YouTube channel, “Charles is not likely to go right into a title fight against Islam. The only reason I say that is that Islam wants some fresh blood. Ilia is not going to get a title shot even though he would fit the request of being fresh blood. You’ve got Ramadan.”

So, where does that leave Oliveira? If the former champion hoped to slide back into a title fight, Sonnen suggests otherwise. He explained further, “Ilia vs. Islam right now works, (but) it’s not a massive fight. However, Ilia vs. Islam, if Ilia defeats Charles first, is a complete other conversation.”

And if the UFC veteran is right, Charles Oliveira may have to deal with the dangerous new arrival before he gets his rematch. Makhachev not being readily open to Oliveira or Topuria opens the door for ‘fresh blood’ Gaethje.

In conclusion, Justin Gaethje’s war with Rafael Fiziev may have reignited his title hopes, but ‘Do Bronx’ isn’t backing down. And now, Ilia Topuria lurks as a wildcard, eager to prove he belongs among the division’s elite.

With Islam Makhachev on pause until Ramadan ends, the UFC has a decision to make. Do they reward Gaethje’s relentless grit? Give Oliveira another shot at redemption? Or test Topuria against the best before granting him a title fight? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!