Justin Gaethje Triumphs Over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313: A Night of High-Octane Action

March 10, 2025, marked a significant date in the world of mixed martial arts as Justin Gaethje stepped into the octagon for UFC 313 in Las Vegas. Competing in the co-main event against Rafael Fiziev, Gaethje proved once again why he is a force to be reckoned with in the Lightweight division. The bout, held at T-Mobile Arena in front of 18,869 spectators, showcased not only the fighters' skills but also their sheer grit, culminating in Gaethje's unanimous decision victory.

The Fight Breakdown

Gaethje, a fighter known for his explosive striking and resilience, entered the fight looking to recover from a recent defeat. Having lost to Max Holloway at UFC 300 in April 2024, the stakes were particularly high for him. Unfortunately for his opponent, the Azerbaijani fighter Rafael Fiziev was also coming off a loss, which set the stage for an intense showdown. The fight was electrifying from the start, with both fighters throwing caution to the wind.

In the opening seconds, an aggressive Fiziev made an early attempt to take Gaethje down. He quickly transitioned to a reverse triangle, but the seasoned Gaethje managed to escape, showcasing his competitive spirit. As the first round progressed, the exchanges became more ferocious, with Gaethje landing a hard-overhand right that caught Fiziev’s attention.

The Course of the Rounds

The second round saw Gaethje intensifying his aggression, landing multiple right hooks that visibly affected Fiziev. The turning point came when Gaethje unleashed a devastating uppercut, sending Fiziev crashing down to the canvas. Despite the brutal ground-and-pound that followed, Fiziev displayed impressive durability, somehow surviving until the round ended.

By the final round, Gaethje was clearly in the driver’s seat. He expertly countered Fiziev's Muay Thai attempts with powerful punches and maintained pressure with effective combinations. Gaethje’s tactical approach paid off as he continued to land significant strikes, including a surprising head kick that showcased his versatility as a striker.

The fight concluded with Gaethje being awarded a unanimous decision victory, securing scores of 29-28 from all three judges. Following the announcement, Gaethje expressed relief and determination, stating, "I had to come back. I had to show everybody. It's on you. You have to get back on the horse."