UFC lightweight veteran reacts to odds for Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev fight
UFC lightweight Renato Moicano has been left stunned at the bookmakers' odds after Justin Gaethje was labeled the favorite in his upcoming UFC 286 bout against Rafael Fiziev.
Gaethje vs. Fiziev is expected to serve as the co-main event on the night that Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman will meet for the third time. 'The Highlight' last stepped into the octagon at UFC 274, where he fought Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title.
After coming up short for a second time in his attempt to capture the undisputed belt, losing to 'Do Bronx' via first-round submission, Gaethje will look to rebound at the expense of 'Ataman'.
The UFC is finalizing a lightweight bout between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev to its UFC 286 lineup in London.
Contracts have not been signed, but the 155-pound contest is expected to be finalized shortly according to @bokamotoespn. https://t.co/MBHSA3SxoW
Fiziev, meanwhile, is heading into the biggest fight of his career in fine form. The No.6-ranked lightweight is on a six-fight win streak and has earned either a Fight or Performance of the Night bonus in last five appearances.
Due to their mix of form and apparent career trajectories, Moicano has reacted to the opening odds, which have given the nod to Justin Gaethje over Rafael Fiziev as the favorite.
The Brazilian wrote on Twitter:
"Man... fiziev is underdog against gaethje.... That's crazy there's no way he's losing that fight #ufc #mma"
Man… fiziev is underdog against gaethje…. That’s crazy there’s no way he’s losing that fight #ufc #mma
Should Justin Gaethje secure a victory over the up-and-coming Fiziev, he will once again put himself in title contention. For 'Ataman', a win against a fan favorite like Gaethje would only raise his stock and certainly move him into the division's top five.
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Michael Bisping surprised Justin Gaethje accepted fight vs. Rafael Fiziev
UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping recently stated that he doesn't believe established fighters such as Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje need to fight the rising talent in the division.
According to Bisping, 'The Diamond' and 'The Hightlight' are veterans of the sport and have earned the right to pick and choose their opponents as to look after their own careers.
In a video uploaded to his channel, 'The Count' said:
"You can't blame Dustin Poirier or Justin Gaethje. They're looking after their own careers. When they're making their career choices, they are not thinking about every other person in the lightweight top 10. They're doing what's best for them and that's exactly what they should do," said Michael Bisping.
Michael Bisping's comments came after Beneil Dariush called for Dustin Poirier to retire if he wasn't willing to test himself against the rising stars of the 155-pound division.
Catch Bisping's comments here: