Justin Gaethje’s career is a testament to his fearlessness and desire to compete against the very best. In a sport where some fighters take calculated paths to the top, Gaethje has never shied away from a challenge
Whether fans love him for his warrior spirit or criticize his setbacks, there is no denying that he is one of the toughest and most exciting fighters to ever grace the UFC octagon.
If Fiziev successfully implements his changes, the rematch could look very different from their first encounter.
By maintaining composure, conserving energy, and sticking to a disciplined strategy, he has the tools to win.
However, Gaethje is as tough as they come, and any lapse in judgment could lead to another war.
Regardless of the outcome, fans can expect another thrilling battle between two of the division’s most exciting fighters.
The key question remains—can Fiziev truly change his mentality and execute a smarter fight, or will Gaethje once again lure him into chaos? At UFC 313, we will find out.
Also Read: Justin Gaethje Opens Up on Potential Trilogy Fight with Dustin Poirier and More
Table of Contents
Justin Gaethje: Career Built on Fighting the Best
A Warrior’s Path to the Top
Justin Gaethje has established himself as one of the most exciting and relentless fighters in UFC history.1
With a reputation for never backing down from a challenge, he has only faced top-10 contenders in his UFC career, a feat that is both rare and highly respected in the sport.
His aggressive fighting style, granite chin, and willingness to stand and trade with the best in the world have earned him a legion of loyal fans.
Great reminder of what’s at stake. Live by the sword die by the sword. It’s all I know. https://t.co/audGNaQjQG
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) March 1, 2025
Battling Legends: Gaethje’s Notable Opponents
Few fighters in UFC history have had a resume as stacked as Gaethje’s. His list of opponents reads like a who’s who of lightweight MMA greatness. Among the many big names he has faced are:
- Khabib Nurmagomedov – The undefeated former lightweight champion and pound-for-pound king.
- Max Holloway – A former featherweight champion and one of the most skilled strikers in the UFC.
- Charles Oliveira – The UFC’s all-time submission leader and former lightweight champion.
- Eddie Alvarez – A former UFC and Bellator champion.
- Dustin Poirier – A former interim lightweight champion known for his elite boxing skills.
- Tony Ferguson – A former interim lightweight champion and one of the division’s most unpredictable fighters.
- Michael Chandler – A former Bellator champion and a powerhouse in the UFC lightweight division.
This level of competition showcases Gaethje’s willingness to test himself against the best, a mindset that is admired by fans and fellow fighters alike.
Justin Gaethje: Fan Reactions
When ESPN MMA shared a post on Instagram highlighting Gaethje’s remarkable strength of schedule, fans flooded the comments section with praise and admiration.2
One fan wrote:
“Respect this guy, he has faced the best of the best. (The pound-for-pound warriors behind the keyboard are missing.)”
Another fan commented:
“Seeing this makes the Justin hate even more insane. Bro fights nothing but legends.”
Respect and Criticism
Yet another fan added:
“One of the best to ever do it at 155.”
However, not all reactions were positive. Some critics pointed out his losses, with one fan remarking:
“Yet he be losing.”
Others questioned the inclusion of James Vick in Gaethje’s list of top-10 opponents, highlighting the former fighter’s struggles at the end of his career. One fan commented:
“Sneaking James Vick in there.”
Another wrote:
“How the hell did James Vick make it in the top 10?”
Justin Gaethje’s Fighting Style
Controlled Chaos
Gaethje is known for his fan-friendly style, often referred to as “controlled chaos.”3
His relentless pressure, devastating leg kicks, and knockout power make him a nightmare for any opponent.
While his early UFC fights saw him engage in all-out brawls, he has since refined his approach, blending calculated aggression with improved defense.
His evolution was evident in his fight against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, where he delivered a masterclass in striking, dismantling Ferguson over five rounds to claim the interim lightweight title.
This performance showcased a more patient and tactical Gaethje, proving that he is more than just a brawler.
Championship Aspirations: What’s Next for Gaethje?
As a former interim lightweight champion, Gaethje remains in the title picture.
With an ever-competitive lightweight division, there are several intriguing matchups for him, including potential rematches with Oliveira or Poirier, a clash with rising contenders like Arman Tsarukyan, or even a dream fight against Conor McGregor.
Gaethje’s ability to consistently perform against elite competition suggests that he is never far from another title shot.
His relentless pursuit of greatness and refusal to take easy fights continue to cement his legacy as one of the UFC’s most respected warriors.
Also Read: The Ultimate Showdown: Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway at UFC 300
Rafael Fiziev’s Adjusting Mentality for Justin Gaethje Rematch
After Dan Hooker withdrew from UFC 313 due to injury, Rafael Fiziev seized the opportunity to step in against Justin Gaethje.
Having previously lost to Gaethje via majority decision at UFC 286, Fiziev views this as a crucial moment to rewrite history.
While short notice fights often come with disadvantages, the Azerbaijani lightweight is confident in his ability to make the necessary adjustments and secure a different outcome this time.
During their first bout, Fiziev showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short in the judges’ eyes. Looking back, he pinpointed a key mistake—getting caught up in the crowd’s excitement.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, he admitted that he abandoned his game plan in favor of engaging in a brawl to entertain the fans. The roar of the crowd, he confessed, lured him into a fight that drained his energy and compromised his strategy.
The Power of the Crowd: A Fighter’s Biggest Distraction
Fiziev’s revelation sheds light on a psychological battle many fighters face—sticking to strategy versus feeding off adrenaline. The energy of thousands of screaming fans can be both a motivator and a trap.
In his case, it led him to ignore his corner’s instructions and engage in wild exchanges with Gaethje. While fans appreciate an all-out war, those moments can be costly for a fighter hoping to win on points or avoid damage.
This time around, Fiziev is determined to fight smarter. He acknowledges that Gaethje thrives in chaotic fights, where his durability and relentless pressure shine. Instead of getting drawn into another brawl, Fiziev plans to stick to a disciplined game plan.
He aims to maintain his composure, manage his energy efficiently, and pick his shots wisely rather than going for highlight-reel exchanges that favor Gaethje’s style.
Justin Gaethje: Podcast
On the 45th episode of of the Ol’ Boy Podcast, Justin Gaethje shared his experience negotiating with the UFC, his gratitude for the platform’s endorsements, and his loyalty to friends and family.
View this post on Instagram
The Importance of Energy Conservation
- One of the biggest lessons Fiziev learned from their first fight was the need for better energy management. Against a fighter like Gaethje, who excels in late-fight pressure, gassing out can be a death sentence.
- Fiziev has vowed to pace himself more effectively, ensuring he has enough stamina left for the later rounds. This will require calculated movement, precise striking, and the ability to reset rather than constantly pushing forward.
- Fiziev’s striking is among the best in the lightweight division. However, against Gaethje, he needs to be more tactical rather than aggressive.
- Instead of throwing volume for the sake of action, he intends to focus on accuracy and efficiency. Leg kicks, body shots, and well-timed counters could be key in neutralizing Gaethje’s pressure and slowing him down.
- While Fiziev’s offense is a strength, defense will be just as critical in the rematch. Gaethje possesses fight-ending power, and Fiziev took several heavy shots in their first encounter.
- Improved head movement, footwork, and defensive responsibility will be necessary to avoid unnecessary damage.
- By minimizing exchanges and keeping the fight at his preferred range, he can reduce the risk of getting caught in dangerous exchanges.
Justin Gaethje’s Perspective
What to Expect in the Rematch
From Gaethje’s side, he will likely look to replicate what worked in their first fight—applying relentless pressure, landing power shots, and dragging Fiziev into deep waters.
Gaethje is a master at forcing opponents into uncomfortable exchanges, and he will test Fiziev’s discipline. The question is whether Fiziev can resist the urge to engage recklessly and instead dictate the fight on his own terms.
For Fiziev, this fight is about redemption. A win over Gaethje would solidify his status as a top contender in the lightweight division. It would also prove that he can learn from past mistakes and evolve as a fighter.
For Gaethje, a victory would further cement his place as one of the most dangerous lightweights in the world and keep him in the title conversation.
Wrestling and Clinch Work: A Potential Factor
One area Fiziev could look to exploit is the clinch and wrestling exchanges. Although both fighters prefer striking, Gaethje has shown improvements in defensive grappling.
If Fiziev can mix in clinch work or takedown attempts, it could disrupt Gaethje’s rhythm and provide opportunities to score points while conserving energy.
Even if he doesn’t secure a takedown, engaging in clinch battles could serve as a way to control the pace and prevent Gaethje from finding his usual striking flow.
Perhaps the biggest adjustment Fiziev is making isn’t physical but mental. In high-pressure fights, emotions can dictate decision-making. Recognizing that his last loss was partly due to letting emotions take over, Fiziev is focused on staying composed.
This means trusting his training, listening to his corner, and executing his strategy rather than reacting emotionally to Gaethje’s aggression.
Also Read: Who Is Justin Gaethje? Max Holloway Knocks Out Justin Gaethje in UFC 300, Bio/Wiki, Career And More
