Rising UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev recently told Captain Hardcore that he’ll be getting one of the biggest names in the division. Fiziev, who recently dispatched Rafael Dos Anjos, believes that he’ll be facing another elite contender in Justin Gaethje this March.
“I’m not announcing anything, but the UFC promised us that I’ll be fighting Justin Gaethje in March. Everyone wants this fight, Dana White wants this fight. I was told to get ready for March.
Fiziev Promises Gaethje Fight This March
We’re waiting for the contract to make it official. That’s what it is as of now. If something changes, I’ll be shocked.” Rising contenders in the lightweight division of the UFC, like Fiziev, have pointed out of late how hard it is to scale the rankings when the top 5 seem intent on only fighting one another. Fiziev, despite this, believes that he’ll be next in line for Gaethje, whose last outing was a failed title charge at then-champ Charles Oliveira.
“If it gets canceled, I’ll record a story like, ‘UFC, what’s going on?’ [Location] is the only question. They said either [London or Las Vegas], March 4 or 18.
I like that the UFC supported this fight from the beginning. Gaethje is being quiet, [his manager] Ali Abdelaziz tried to say something. They are still doing what they’ve been doing. The UFC wants it. When the UFC wants it, they make it happen.”
As for why he wants Justin Gaethje, one of the most notoriously violent fighters in the weight class, Fiziev offered some insight into his own brutal mentality. Specifically, he believes that nobody else in the weight class is calling Gaethje out, and Fiziev wants the challenge.
“Probably everything combined. It’s a big challenge for me. It’s a dangerous fight for me. He’s a strong fighter, it’s also something very interesting for me, something that brings me joy and makes me energetic.
I’ve never seen anyone call out Gaethje. Nobody said, ‘Gaethje, Gaethje, Gaethje, come fight me.’ Not sure, maybe you can correct me. I like that. I like that I’m the first to call him out and I truly want to fight him. Also, it’ll bring me closer to the title. I know I’m close. If I beat Gaethje in spectacular fashion, I’ll easily be able to fight for the title.”
Will you be watching if Rafael Fiziev faces Justin Gaethje this March? Could the bout headline that month’s UFC pay-per-view? Let us know in the comments.
