New Delhi: Dan Hooker has been ruled out of the fight due to an injury. UFC CEO Dana White announced his replacement on Instagram Live and has named the fighter who will compete against the former UFC Lightweight Interim Champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 co-main event on March 8, 2025.
Rafael Fiziev, who faced Justin Gaethje at UFC 286 in 2023, has been given a chance to avenge his loss at the event. It will be a crucial fight for Fiziev as he is on a two-fight losing streak, and one more defeat can add more pressure on him.
‘I don’t know how much I’ve got to sell Gaethje for you’: UFC CEO Dana White
Dana White confirmed that the new co-main event for March 8 in Las Vegas is going to be Gaethje vs Fiziev. “I don’t know how much I’ve got to sell Gaethje for you! Before his last fight Fiziev had six straight performance bonuses including his first fight with Gaethje” she added.
The fight is also important for Gaethje as a win against Fiziev could bring him in the title scenario again and a loss on the other side can push him further down in the division’s rankings.
Gaethje was due to face Hooker in the co-main event of UFC 313; his first fight after being eliminated by Max Holloway for the BMF belt at UFC 300 last April but Hooker was forced out with an injury, meaning the promotion needed to book a new fight. Now, he will face Fiziev whom he defeated once before back in London.
The rematch promises to be another high-octane clash as both fighters are known for their relentless striking and durability. With the stakes are higher than ever, the fans are eagerly waiting to see if Fiziev can turn the table or if Gaethje will once again assert his dominance inside the Octagon.
UFC 313 is set for March 8, 2025, and the event is expected to deliver big fireworks. The main event will feature UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira facing the No. 1 contender Magomed Ankalaev.
Rafael Fiziev replaces Dan Hooker to take on Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 in a rematch of their UFC 286 thriller. UFC Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
