When Dan Hooker was initially booked to face Justin Gaethje in the co-main event at UFC 313, he was pumped up for the violent spectacle that was expected. He even joked, “I just think the UFC wants to see someone die.” With both 155fers known for their brutal wars inside the Octagon, it wasn’t far off from the truth. Fans were eagerly anticipating the battle, but just weeks before fight night, ‘The Hangman’ had to withdraw due to a broken hand, leaving the co-main event in jeopardy.

Thankfully, #11 ranked lightweight Rafael Fiziev stepped in on short notice to face ‘The Highlight’, saving the event. But was he the only option the UFC had? Turns out, Renato Moicano also threw his hat in the ring. The Brazilian, known for stepping up at the last minute (he took on Islam Makhachev on short notice at UFC 311), revealed in a recent interview that he offered to fight Gaethje.

However, UFC CEO Dana White didn’t go for it, and Moicano believes the issue was his inability to make weight. The 155fer took to his YouTube podcast ‘Show Me The Money’ and stated, “Just to clarify, people were saying that I ran off from the fight. But to be honest, the UFC messaged me, and I said, ‘Hey, I’m 190. Can we do a catchweight?’ But they didn’t want to do a catchweight. It is what it is.”

Moicano, known for cutting a lot of weight to compete at lightweight, would have struggled to be ready to fight a fully fit Gaethje on such short notice. In hindsight, the UFC seems to have made the right decision by bringing in Fiziev, who was better prepared to take on the challenge.

Moreover, the rivalry between Gaethje and Fiziev goes way back to UFC 286, setting the stage for an intriguing rematch at UFC 313. Both fighters are stepping into the Octagon after facing significant challenges, which makes this matchup even more compelling. For the former BMF title holder, the fight represents a chance to shake off the knockout loss he suffered against Max Holloway at UFC 300.

On the other hand, ‘Ataman’ is returning from an ACL injury that sidelined him for a while. Now, he’s determined to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level and reclaim his place among the elite. Both men have faced their setbacks, but their mental fortitude will be put to the test at UFC 313.

Justin Gaethje spills the beans regarding his mindset before UFC 313 war

Their first encounter at UFC 286 was nothing short of a brutal masterpiece. Rafael Fiziev started fast, showcasing his trademark lightning-quick Muay Thai, landing explosive strikes that had Gaethje on the defensive. However, Gaethje, as always, weathered the storm with his seasoned experience. By the time the final bell rang, the war was evident on Fiziev’s battered face.

Despite the razor-close nature of the contest (a majority decision in favor of Gaethje), ‘The Highlight’ emerged victorious, but he knew this win came with a hard-earned price. Now, with a chance to settle the score, ‘Ataman’ is ready to face the former interim champ again to determine who truly stands supreme.

At the UFC 313 pre-fight press conference, when an interviewer brought up Fiziev’s comment about the fight likely sending both fighters to the hospital, Gaethje remained unfazed. The interviewer reminded him of Fiziev’s words, saying, “God, I really don’t want to go to the hospital again in Las Vegas, but the way me and Justin fight, we’ll probably go to the hospital.” When asked if Gaethje shared that mentality, he quickly responded with his signature intensity, making it clear he wasn’t planning on hospital visits.

Instead, Gaethje said, “I’m just hoping that 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, you know, whatever that entails, then, so be it.”

It’s clear this fight will be another violent spectacle, with both fighters going all in. So, who do you think will come out on top in this epic rematch? Will Gaethje’s toughness and experience prevail, or will Fiziev find a way to prove he’s learned from the first bout? Let us know your thoughts below!