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.
After UFC 313, Dana White didn’t rule out the possibility.
“I mean, what’s he ranked right now? Fourth or something, right? Third, there you go,” White said at the UFC 313 post-event news conference. “He’s still the No. 3-ranked guy in the world, so the odds of him getting a title shot are pretty good.”
If Gaethje is granted his wish, it would be his third undisputed title shot after previously falling short to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020 and Charles Oliveira in 2022. Since then, Gaethje has won three of four bouts, with his lone setback as the victim of the 2024 Knockout of the Year against Max Holloway.
Gaethje would be leapfrogging both Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan in the rankings if granted a title shot. There’s also the possibility of Ilia Topuria’s first fight at 155 pounds being against Makhachev.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.
