Mar 18, 2023; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Rafael Fiziev reacts after fighting Justin Gaethje (not pictured) during UFC 286 at O2 Arena. Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports

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Rafael Fiziev Heaps Praise On Justin Gaethje Ahead Of UFC 313 Showdown

Rafael Fiziev showers praise on past opponent, hyping up a fierce showdown at UFC 313!

Mar 18, 2023; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Rafael Fiziev reacts after fighting Justin Gaethje (not pictured) during UFC 286 at O2 Arena. Mandatory Credit: Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports

One moment, one phone call can change an entire career trajectory of a UFC fighter . For Rafael Fiziev, a talented lightweight fighter from Azerbaijan, this rings especially true as he prepares for a surprising rematch against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313. Sometimes, opportunities knock when you least expect them, and Fiziev’s journey illustrates the unpredictable nature of professional fighting.

Fighters rarely get second chances, especially against top-ranked opponents like Justin Gaethje. When Dan Hooker withdrew from the original bout due to a hand injury, Fiziev found himself with an incredible opportunity. Ranked 11th in the lightweight division, he was suddenly stepping in to face Gaethje, who sits comfortably at #3 in the rankings. Fiziev’s excitement was palpable during his recent interview with Ariel Helwani, where he described the matchup as nothing short of a “miracle.”

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Rafael Fiziev’s Words Of Admiration

What sets this story apart is Fiziev’s genuine appreciation for Gaethje. Most fighters would view a replacement bout as just another chance to climb the rankings. But Fiziev sees something more: a gesture of professional respect. He spoke about wanting to personally thank Gaethje for accepting the short-notice fight, acknowledging the risks involved for a top-ranked fighter.

“I want to go and shake the hands of Justin and say, ‘Bro, you give me this chance again, man? I’m not deserving of it and you give me this chance.’ Yeah, I know the situation, you have full camp, you want to fight, you don’t want to pull out from this card. But still… thank you so much.”

"I want to go and shake the hands of Justin and say… Bro, you give me this chance again, man. I'm not deserving of it and you give me this chance… Wow, thank you so much."

Rafael Fiziev is grateful for this opportunity against Justin Gaethje 🤝 pic.twitter.com/nSsquzn4aS
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 3, 2025

Fiziev’s words reveal a depth of sportsmanship that goes beyond the typical fighter’s competitive mindset. The Lightweight competition is notoriously challenging, with fighters like Gaethje and Fiziev representing some of the most dynamic talents in the sport. Prior to this matchup, Fiziev believed a rematch was nearly impossible. The significant gap in their rankings and Gaethje’s position in the title picture made such a bout seem improbable. Yet here they are, ready to clash in what promises to be an electrifying co-main event at UFC 313.

Justin Gaethje: The Fighter With ‘Anytime, Anywhere, Anyone’ Mentality

Beyond the full camp that Gaethje had, this story about him not wanting to pull out highlights the human element of mixed martial arts. Justin Gaethje could have easily declined the short-notice fight, protecting his ranking and avoiding unnecessary risk. Instead, he chose to step up.

‘The Highlight’ gave Fiziev an opportunity many fighters only dream about. It’s a reminder that professional fighters share a mutual respect and understanding of their craft. As UFC 313 approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating this lightweight showdown. Rafael Fiziev isn’t just fighting for a win; he is fighting with gratitude and respect. Whether he emerges victorious or not, his attitude already marks him as a true professional!

(Image Credit: Per Haljestam – Imagn Images)

Justin Gaethje

Rafael Fiziev

UFC 313

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!