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Rafael Fiziev replaces Dan Hooker to face Justin Gaethje at UFC 313, marking an exciting rematch.

Rafael Fiziev has been confirmed as Dan Hooker`s replacement to face Justin Gaethje in the co-main event of UFC 313 on March 8 in Las Vegas. UFC CEO Dana White announced the change via Instagram Live after Hooker withdrew due to a hand injury just days before the fight.

Fiziev, who was among the first to volunteer as a replacement alongside Renato Moicano and Mateusz Gamrot, will now compete in a three-round bout against Gaethje, a shift from the originally scheduled five-round fight. This matchup marks a rematch of their previous encounter in March 2023, where Gaethje emerged victorious by majority decision, earning a `Fight of the Night` bonus.

Since their first clash, Gaethje has had a mixed record, knocking out Dustin Poirier to claim the BMF title in July 2023, only to lose it to Max Holloway at UFC 300 in April. Fiziev, ranked No. 11 in the lightweight division, has fought only once since his loss to Gaethje, suffering a knee injury that ended his bout against Gamrot prematurely. Gaethje currently holds the No. 3 ranking in the lightweight category. UFC 313 will be headlined by Alex Pereira defending his light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev at T-Mobile Arena.

UFC and MMA fans are eagerly anticipating this exciting matchup.

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