Justin Gaethje (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Dan Hooker is out of his UFC 313 co-main event clash with Justin Gaethje on March 8 due to an injured hand. The UFC has to find a replacement for Hooker to face Gaethje, or the card’s value will take a dip.
Gaethje has said he wants to fight, and the UFC is seemingly actively looking for someone to step in on 11 days’ notice. Sportsnet’s Aaron Bronsteter suggests a rematch with Rafael Fiziev as a possibility, along with three others in a poll he made available publicly.
The two men had an all-action brawl in March 2023 that Gaethje won by majority decision. Fiziev is currently ranked No. 11, while Gaethje is No. 3. Because of the wide disparity in the rankings, it doesn’t seem like a fight Gaethje would take, but you never know.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 18: Justin Gaethje punches Rafael Fiziev during the Lightweight Bout between … [+]
Bronsteter’s poll also listed Mateusz Gamrot, Renato Moicano, and Beneil Dariush.
An argument could be made for Dariush, who was the odd man out at UFC 311. Dariush was originally supposed to fight Moicano on that card. However, Moicano stepped up to replace Arman Tsarukyan, who was set to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 15: Beneil Dariush stands in his corner prior to facing Tony Ferguson in their … [+]
Makhachev easily submitted Moicano in the first round, but Dariush was pulled from the card. UFC President Dana White said the UFC was going to take care of Dariush financially for successfully making weight, but that probably wouldn’t give him a win bonus.
Dariush is currently ranked No. 9.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 23: Mateusz Gamrot of Poland reacts after his victory over Rafael … [+]
Gamrot is ranked No. 8, but he’s coming off a loss to Hooker in his last fight, so that seems like an underwhelming choice. The same can be said for Moicano.
He was easily defeated by Makhachev, and I’m not sure if the UFC was pleased with his effort. Stylistically, the fight could be fun, but he’s ranked No. 10. Here’s an idea: how about Max Holloway?
Gaethje’s last fight was a devastating KO loss to Holloway at UFC 300 in April 2024. It’s one of—if not the greatest—KOs in MMA history. Offering Gaethje an opportunity at instant revenge would be compelling.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 13: Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway exchange strikes during their BMF … [+]
Also, Holloway is making his permanent move to lightweight, and this rematch could be a surprise hit for the UFC. We’ll likely learn who Gaethje’s opponent will be over the next 48 hours as time is slipping away as we move closer to March 8.
As of now, here is a look at the entire UFC 313 card.
- (c) Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev – UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
- Justin Gaethje vs. ???
- Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo – Women’s Strawweight
- King Green vs. Mauricio Ruffy – Lightweight
- Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes – Lightweight
- Bruno Ferreira vs. Armen Petrosyan – Middleweight
- Ozzy Diaz vs. Djorden Santos – Middleweight
- Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal – Welterweight
- Mairon Santos vs. Francis Marshall – Featherweight
- Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev – Heavyweight
- Rei Tsuruya vs. Joshua Van – Flyweight
Stay tuned for updates to UFC 313 and other cards coming up soon from the promotion.
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