BREAKING: Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev date and location revealed
The date and location for a potential lightweight banger between Rafael Fiziev and former title challenger Justin Gaethje has been revealed.
MMA journalist Brett Okamoto recently reported that the UFC was planning to have the two lightweights throw down at UFC 286. The event is expected to take place on March 18 at the O2 Arena in London, England.
"London. Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev is nearly finalized for UFC 286 on March 18. Nos. 3 and 6 at lightweight to meet. What a fight," wrote Brett Okamoto.
London. Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) vs. Rafael Fiziev (@RafaelFiziev) is nearly finalized for UFC 286 on March 18. Nos. 3 and 6 at lightweight to meet. What a fight. https://t.co/GtKSouskku
Fiziev has called out Gaethje multiple times during his media appearances and on social media. 'Ataman' recently stated that he was offered a fight against 'The Highlight' in March. Now, it appears that Fiziev's claim will soon become a reality.
"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. 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," said Rafael Fiziev."
How did Justin Gaethje fare in his last fight?
Ever since his debut in the UFC, Justin Gaethje has been hailed as one of the most exciting fighters in the promotion. Win or lose, 'The Highlight' refuses to deliver a boring fight to MMA fans.
The 34-year-old was last seen in action when he took on Charles Oliveira at UFC 274. Both fighters came out all guns blazing in the opening round and landed heavy shots at each other. 'Do Bronx' eventually got the better of Gaethje and submitted him with a rear-naked choke.
Rafael Fiziev is currently on a roll in the UFC. 'Ataman' has won his last six fights in the promotion and that includes victories over high-calibre fighters like Brad Riddell, Renato Moicano and former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos.
Gaethje is currently ranked number three in the UFC lightweight rankings and Fiziev holds the number six spot.
So, the fight has huge stakes attached to it as the winner could possibly be next in line for a shot at lightweight gold.