UFC 313 delivered great action, but an unusual thing happened when Justin Gaethje fought Rafael Fiziev. It appeared that ‘The Highlight’s gloves did not have the UFC logo on them. So, was that a deliberate move? Well, it appears that the situation is a bit different from what people might believe because those are actual UFC gloves.

According to certain sources, Justin Gaethje had put on the gloves and got it taped, but then the UFC logo was rubbed off. However, given that he was already wearing the gloves, the former interim champion did not want to remove them and wear a new pair since he was about to walk out to the Octagon. As such, he fought Rafael Fiziev wearing that pair.

“Yeah they stared coming off in the back. So, they wanted to make sure some of the flakes weren’t going in my eyes or his eyes, so, they took them off with tape,” Gaethje clarified at the post-fight press conference. “They wanted me to change them and I was like ‘Hell no!’ I had them on. I had them even broken in. ‘There’s no way I’m switching to fresh gloves.'”

The gloves didn’t seem defective, as it was only the logo that got rubbed off, and Justin Gaethje went on to put up a great performance against Rafael Fiziev. Not only did he dominate Rafael Fiziev, but he landed some stiff shots on the Azerbaijani in a great co-main event clash. Moreover, ‘The Highlight’ made it 2-0 against ‘Ataman’, who stepped up on short notice.

Meanwhile, nobody seemed to point out Justin Gaethje’s glove situation after his fight when he spoke to Joe Rogan. What he did talk about is his next step, and after his unanimous decision win, the former BMF champion is looking to get his shot at the undisputed lightweight gold. Let’s take a look at what he had to say following his triumphant return.

Justin Gaethje wants the title fight, but it’s up to the UFC

It’s been almost three years since Justin Gaethje fought for the lightweight title, and after he said in 2023 that this was his last run, the only thing he has in mind is another shot at the title. However, he understands how the business works and the UFC will pair him up with whomever they see fit. But looking at the fact that he’s not going to be around for long, it came as a surprise when he didn’t push for a title shot.

“I am no.3 in the world, the most exciting guy that’s ever stepped in there and I don’t have a choice. It’s all on the UFC. We’ll see what they want,” Justin Gaethje stated in the Octagon interview. Later, at the post-fight presser, Gaethje dived deeper into the matter.

“I’m gonna have to get my jiu-jitsu coach out here. It’s really just confidence. He’s a tough matchup for me. He’s so good, he’s so strong. And I have to have a perfect night if I want to beat him,” ‘The Highlight’ said after stressing the need to improve his cardio.

Well, Islam Makhachev had mentioned previously that he would love to share the cage with Gaethje if he was able to win his UFC 313 fight, which he did. So, will Dana White oblige and give him that title shot since the champ wants it? That remains to be seen.

While the glove situation is not usual, let us know what you think in the comments down below while sharing your thoughts on what you think is next for Justin Gaethje. Drop your comments below.