Rafael Fiziev (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) is counting his blessings following the events of the past week.
The no.11-ranked contender in the UFC lightweight division was in the right place at the right time when the news broke that Dan Hooker had injured his hand and would not be fit to compete against Justin Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) in the co-main event at UFC 313 this Saturday.
Fiziev (along with a host of other fighters) immediately threw his name in the hat to replace Hooker, sensing an opportunity to avenge the defeat he suffered at the hands of Gaethje at UFC 286 two years ago.
Plenty of big names in the 155 pound division were also mentioned as possible replacement opponents for Gaethje, but 'The Highlight' insists none of them wanted to take the risk at short notice.
“Arman (Tsarukyan) and Charles (Oliveira) understandably said no”, Gaethje tweeted. “Max (Holloway) and Dustin(Poirier) understandably 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 an elite striker. Life’s a trip. Best live show on earth going down March 8th #UFC313”.
Fiziev has fought just once since that loss to Gaethje in 2023. "Ataman" faced Mateusz Gamrot in September of that year, but the fight ended prematurely when Fiziev suffered a torn ACL in the second round, and he has not competed since.
During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show this week, Fiziev was full of gratitude after being given the opportunity to make his comeback on such a big stage.
"I want to go and shake the the hand of Justin", Fiziev told Helwani. "Saying like, 'Bro, you give me this chance again man, oh I'm not deserving, and you give me this chance! Yeah i know the situation. You have a full camp, you want to fight, you know? You don't want to pull out from this card, but still'."
"You know for me it's like i want to shake his hand and I think bro you give me this chance again man wow thank you so much!"
