Preparing to face Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, Justin Gaethje is at a crossroads. He aims to make a statement in his pursuit of a title fight against Islam Makhachev. Following his loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, his title aspirations came to a screeching halt. Many thought Gaethje had lost his final chance at clinching the LW gold in his third attempt. However, ‘The Highlight’ is determined to make a statement at UFC 313 that could propel him back into the title race. Former UFC double champion Henry Cejudo has asserted that if Gaethje secures a victory, he will undoubtedly be in line for a clash against Islam Makhachev.

“I go in there and get a finish with an outstanding performance like I always do, I think I’ll be one of the guys that they consider to fight Makhachev,” Gaethje admitted in a conversation with the media. The former ‘BMF’ champ is ambitious and believes that opportunity will come knocking at his door after his victory at UFC 313. Interestingly, Henry Cejudo also chimes to the same tune, “This is what I love about Justin—he’s creating a storyline by saying that if he goes out and performs, he’s going to skip Ilia Topuria and fight Islam Makhachev.”

The former dual weight champion in a conversation with Kamaru Usman on ‘Pound-4-Pound’ emphasized that he had a conversation with Khabib Nurmagomedov where he ascertained that Ilia Topuria needs a fight at the lightweight division before he could claim the title fight, ” I love it. I do believe that it could actually happen because when I sat down with Khabib and asked him if Ilia Topuria deserved a title shot at 155 pounds, do you know what Khabib said? He said, “He needs to fight the number one contender.”

Timing is a significant factor for the UFC lightweight title bout and this is the perfect time for Justin Gatehje to claim the title fight as Islam Makhachev is looking for a big fight. We must note that Dustin Poirier got his title fight after he defeated Benoit-Saint Denis. However, there’s a catch as well. Ilia Topuria in his recent X post has added that the UFC might drop a banger soon, “When we announce it, you won’t believe it. Get ready

So, there’s a high possibility that a victory at UFC 313 could propel his title run. However, with Topuria’s announcement, things are quite shaky. Gaethje might need an amazing performance to pull the cards. Interestingly, ‘The Highlight’ is looking for a phenomenal performance at UFC 313.

Justin Gaethje reveals he aims to go ballistic at UFC 313

Justin Gaethje took some time off from his UFC career after he lost his ‘BMF’ belt against Max Holloway last year and it appears that fighter is looking to make an absolute comeback against Rafael Fiziev. Desperate for a title shot, ‘The Highlight’ is eager to decimate the Kazakh fighter. When a reporter asked Gaethje about the kind of fight he expects on the grand night, he emphasized that he hopes neither of them ends up in the hospital.

“Ideally, any fight, I’d get a knockout in the first 10 seconds. That would be ideal, but I don’t plan on goinig to the hospital, I’m just hoping I’m alive and I can walk, so I can golf with my dad and brother the next day. But I mean, I’m here to go to war. Whatever that entails, then so be it,” said Gaethje.

The last time Justin Gaethje fought Rafael Fiziev, the fight went the distance, with ‘The Highlight’ winning by majority decision. Both fighters earned the Fight of the Night award. Given their rematch, who do you think will win the bout? State your thoughts in the comments below.