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Justin Gaethje will be making his first appearance since losing to Charles Oliveira at UFC 274, at this year's London card. 'Highlight Reel' will co-headline UFC 286 against the No.6-ranked UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev.
UFC 286 will feature Kamaru Usman and welterweight champion Leon Edwards as they face off in a rematch with a 1-1 record between them. The event will take place on March 18th at the O2 arena in London, England.
With the fight against Rafael Fiziev, Justin Gaethje will be putting his No.3 ranking on the line. However, a win over 'Ataman' could put him back into the title contention picture.
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Justin Gaethje last fought Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 for the vacant lightweight title. Oliveira had to reliquish the title after missing weight by 0.5 pounds, so only Gaethje was eligible to win the title.
However, his dream of realizing championship gold once again came to a screeching halt, as Oliveira (despite being dropped more than once by Gaethje) dropped Gaethje and proceeded to finish him via RNC after taking his back.
Comparing Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev's careers
'Highlight Reel' has a promotional record of 6-4 and an overall MMA record of 23-4. All his career losses have happened in the promotion to names like Eddie Alvarez, Dustin Poirier, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.
Besides the fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 268, Gaethje has never fought to a decision in the organization. 'The Highlight Reel' has knockout wins over Michael Johnson, James Vick, Edson Barboza, Donald Cerrone and Tony Ferguson.
Rafael Fiziev had a rocky start to his promotional career at UFC Fight Night 149, where he was finished by Magomed Mustafaev in the first round. After his debut loss, he surged through the lightweight division, racking up six straight victories.
Among Rafael Fiziev's six promotional wins are a first-round knockout win over Renato Moicano, a third-round knockout win over Brad Riddel and a fifth-round knockout win over former divisional champion Rafael dos Anjos.
'Ataman' is currently one of the brightest talents in the premier MMA promotion's lightweight division.
A showdown with Justin Gaethje has all the potential to become a bonus-worthy fight. Both Gaethje and Fiziev have incredible knockout power, but the grappling advantage goes to 'The Highlight Reel' as he is an NCAA Div-1 wrestler (should he choose to grapple, although it's highly unlikely).
Fiziev has a background in Muay Thai and spectacular movement, and could provide some unique challenges to Gaethje. The fight between Rafael Fiziev and Justin Gaethje has all the makings to be the event's Fight of the Night.
