February 27, 2025 12: 10 pm ET
Justin Gaethje outed numerous lightweights for apparently declining to fight him on short notice at UFC 313.
Gaethje was in need of a new opponent after Dan Hooker withdrew from their March 8 co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas due to a fractured hand. “The Highlight” had every intention of remaining on the card, and the likes of Rafael Fiziev, Renato Moicano, and Mateusz Gamrot offered to step in.
It was Fiziev (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) who got his wish, but according to Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC), the UFC tried to go in various different directions first.
“Arman and Charles understandably said no. Max and Dustin understandably said no. Moicano got the call and said no. Props to Fiziev for volunteering to fly across the world and take this fight. Big risk here for me taking this rematch against and elite striker. Life’s a trip. Best live show on earth going down March 8th #UFC313.”
Arman Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC), who pulled out of his title fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 just one day prior, clarifies that he was willing to face Gaethje on short notice – but in a catchweight bout.
“I didn’t say no, I accepted immediately and asked for a 160 lbs catchweight 11 days out from weigh ins, UFC said that wasn’t an option.”
I didn’t say no, I accepted immediately and asked for a 160lbs catchweight 11 days out from weigh ins, UFC said that wasn’t an option https://t.co/3IfQ3Rjhv5
— Arman Tsarukyan