Justin Gaethje defeated Rafael Fiziev in their co-main event fight at UFC 313 on Saturday night. The fight took place on March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gaethje (26-5) and Fiziev (12-4) faced off in a highly anticipated clash. The official decision was a unanimous decision victory for Justin Gaethje (29-28 x3).
Below is a round-by-round breakdown of the fight.
Round 1
Referee Jason Herzog oversaw the co-main event.
Fiziev initiated with a takedown, showcasing mixed martial arts skills. Gaethje countered with his wrestling to return to a standing position. Fiziev landed a knee. They clinched, and a scramble ensued, ending with Fiziev briefly on top in a reverse triangle. They returned to their feet.
Gaethje connected with punches from a distance. Fiziev responded with body knees in the clinch. Gaethje kicked the body, and Fiziev countered with a right hand.
Gaethje evaded a combination from Fiziev and landed a right hand on Fiziev’s chin. Gaethje attempted a takedown, but Fiziev escaped. Fiziev landed a counter left.
Round 1 scored 10-9 for Fiziev.
Round 2
Commentators noted that Fiziev sustained a toe injury in Round 1.
Gaethje controlled the center. He landed hooks as Fiziev ducked in. Fiziev delivered a body kick that appeared low, causing a pause by Herzog for review. Replays confirmed the low blow. Upon restart, Fiziev landed a right, followed by a strong right from Gaethje. A knockout seemed imminent.
Gaethje landed another right. Fiziev attacked the body but was met with a right hand in return. Gaethje connected with a two-punch combo. Fiziev went back to the body. Gaethje threw an overhand right and narrowly missed with an uppercut.
Fiziev missed a high kick but landed a right hand. Gaethje prepared his right, but Fiziev dodged. Fiziev landed a knee, and Gaethje countered with a right. They exchanged blows with each landing.
Gaethje countered with a left. Fiziev drove a knee into Gaethje’s body. Gaethje landed a significant uppercut, dropping Fiziev. Fiziev recovered, attempted a takedown, but Gaethje defended and landed more punches. Fiziev managed to stand.
Round 2 scored 10-9 for Gaethje, making it 19-19 overall.
Round 3
The crowd showed their appreciation with applause for both fighters.
Gaethje consistently attacked as Fiziev approached. Fiziev attempted a spin kick, which Gaethje anticipated and deflected. Fiziev landed an inside leg kick. Gaethje sought a counter right, which Fiziev evaded. Fiziev landed a left hook and a body kick.
Gaethje landed another uppercut. Gaethje partially connected with a head kick. Gaethje initiated combinations.
They engaged in clinches as the round progressed. Upon separation, Fiziev landed a high kick. Gaethje pressed forward, utilizing uppercuts.
Gaethje transitioned from an uppercut to a takedown attempt, which Fiziev blocked. Fiziev moved off the fence, but Gaethje pursued with punches. A high kick from Gaethje forced Fiziev back momentarily before they resumed trading strikes. Gaethje landed a punch as the round concluded.
Round 3 scored 10-9 for Gaethje, resulting in an overall score of 29-28 for Gaethje.
