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Dan Hooker’s broken hand was a major blow to UFC 313, as his bout versus Justin Gaethje was highly anticipated by just about every fight fan. Fortunately, several fighters immediately offered to fill-in and save the card, and earlier on Wednesday, UFC CEO Dana White went on Instagram live to announce the winner of the Gaethje lottery: Rafael Fiziev.
Given the less-than-two-weeks-notice circumstances, Gaethje vs. Fiziev 2 is about as good a booking as possible. The two fought to an extremely close and wildly entertaining decision back at UFC 286 in March 2023 with Gaethje emerging the victor. It’s not quite as exciting as a fresh match up, but these two can still be counted upon to deliver an absolute war or crazy KO.
Since the first bout, Gaethje has competed twice, knocking out Dustin Poirier before getting toppled by Max Holloway at UFC 300. The Holloway defeat cost him a title shot, so “The Highlight” is extremely motivated to get back in the win column and take one last swing at UFC gold. Meanwhile, Fiziev has only fought once, suffering an unfortunate knee injury opposite Mateusz Gamrot.
“Ataman” has been very vocal online about wanting his return to action and having a difficult time finding a willing dance partner. This is a great opportunity for him to rebound from an injury directly back into the Lightweight title mix … if he’s able to capitalize on the short-notice booking.
For the complete UFC 313 fight card, click HERE!
Insomnia
It’s been a rough year for undefeated fighters. Who’s next to lose their 0?
Undefeated fighters have a 33% win rate (6W-12L) in the #UFC in 2025.
✅ WINNERS
Mansur Abdul-Malik (8-0)
Rafael Estevam (13-0)
Tallison Teixeira (8-0)
Hamdy Abdelwahab (4-0)
Jacobe Smith (10-0)
Nurullo Aliev (10-0)❌ LOSERS
Jean Matsumoto (16-1)
… pic.twitter.com/BU5jeIzOas— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) February 24, 2025
A beautiful combination and athletic evasive movement afterward:
Canada’s great Welterweight hope is back in action in Montreal.
It disappoints me that the Flat Earth community has taken such a stronghold in the MMA community.
How do you feel about Ilia Topuria’s Featherweight legacy after his early departure? The high is undeniable, but he didn’t remain at the top for long.
Ilia Topuria se va de la división, pero creo que a pesar de su corto Reinado, le alcanza para sentarse en la mesa de los mejores Peso Pluma de la Historia (de esa misma mesa, noqueó a 2 Leyendas) pic.twitter.com/a8l00BTb0J
— Gaston “Tonga” Reyno (@gastonreyno) February 20, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili is genuinely built different, and there are endless examples.
Petr Yan with the jump rope skills:
Slips, rips, and KO clips
I’ll never come across these highlights and not post them … aka PRIDE NEVER DIE!
I find the left hook counter to a step up left kick to be extremely aesthetic.
Breaking down the inside and outside of the lead leg for a stoppage.
Random Land
Am I an idiot for finding this neat? Probably.
Midnight Music: Electronic, 2001
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
