Justin Gaethje has a new opponent for the co-main event of UFC 313 in Las Vegas.
The third-ranked lightweight contender Gaethje was scheduled to fight Dan Hooker on March 8 in what was sure to be a violent fight, but Hooker suffered a hand injury and had to pull out.
But UFC president Dana White came to the rescue. On his Instagram live Wednesday night, White announced that No. 11 Rafael Fiziev will step in on short notice and take on Gaethje.
Sportsnet's Aaron Bronsteter reported that the fight will be only three rounds instead of five.
Fiziev (12-3) sent a "let's run it back" message to Gaethje on social media after Hooker pulled out. Fiziev fought the former interim champion at UFC 286, where Gatehje won by decision in a three-round bout.
Fiziev hasn't fought since September, 2023 when he lost after suffering a knee injury against Mateusz Gamrot.
The rematch will be Gaethje's first bout since UFC 300, where he lost by a last-second, highlight-reel knockout by Max Holloway.
