LAS VEGAS – Justin Gaethje entered UFC 313 hoping he’d be considered for the next shot at lightweight champion Islam Makhachev if victorious, and it appears he just might be.
In an unexpected rematch with Rafael Fiziev, Gaethje earned another tough win against the Kazakhstani as he gutted out a unanimous decision in the Fight of the Night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) technically took a step down in opponent after Dan Hooker, No. 6 in the official UFC lightweight rankings, was replaced by No. 11 Fiziev after breaking his hand last week. Even so, Gaethje was steadfast in his belief that a victory could earn him a title shot.
