When the UFC first announced Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker for as the co-main event for UFC 313, fans were savoring with expectations of a symphony of violence never seen before! The matchup had all the makings of a brutal slugfest—a clash between two of the most thrilling fighters in the lightweight division, both known for their all-out aggression and jaw-dropping action. However, just as anticipation was reaching a fever pitch, the plans hit a snag. ‘The Hangman’ sustained a broken injury, forcing him to pull out of the highly anticipated clash.

In a stroke of brilliance, the UFC quickly found a replacement in #11-ranked Rafael Fiziev. ‘Ataman’ is eager to bounce back after his last loss to Gaethje at UFC 286, where the former interim champ emerged victorious by decision. But this time, both men enter with fresh perspectives. Gaethje, coming off a devastating last-second knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, is looking to prove himself. Meanwhile, Fiziev is looking for redemption after suffering a TKO loss due to a knee injury at UFC Vegas 79.

And it is safe to say that former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is also looking forward to this clash. However, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ feels that Gaethje will have to get past a mental war after his last setback. “I think there are challenges on both sides. But when you are dealing with Justin Gaethje when you have never really been put out quite like that before [referring to UFC 300]. So when you are dealing with something like that, and then you had time to kind of let it fester. And process it and try to work through it. You never know if there are residual things there in the back of your mind. Like ahh is my chin what it used to be, not what it used to be? You know there might be some of that kind of residuals.”

The former BMF title holder is one of the most relentless and unforgiving fighters the UFC has ever seen. Known for his pace and barbaric shin kicks, it’s always go all out or go home for the Arizona native. Stepping into the cage against him at anything less than peak condition is a surefire recipe for disaster. However, Gaethje finds himself in the twilight of his career at 36. And it seems that the former interim champ is eyeing a shot at the undisputed gold!

Justin Gaethje is hoping to get a title shot if he manages to win at UFC 313

Since making his UFC debut in 2017, Justin Gaethje has been battling the best the lightweight division has to offer. ‘The Highlight’ has never been out of the Top 5 rankings at 155lbs. However, he is looking for one more shot at the title after initially failing to beat Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 nearly five years ago. It is safe to say that a win against Fiziev will get him closer to it.

Speaking to the media, the former BMF titleholder made it clear—once UFC 313 is behind him, his next stop will be a shot at the lightweight championship. He said, “You know, it really doesn’t matter who it is, timing is everything in this sport, we saw what Dustin Poirier (did), I beat him and then he fought for the belt right after that and I think the timing is gonna line up well.”

“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 stated on the Jim Rome show.

There’s no doubt that Gaethje is more than capable of winning his fight at UFC 313. But as Usman pointed out he needs to let go of his last knockout loss at UFC 300. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.