UFC 313 Just Got Bigger as Rematch Adds More Fire to the Card

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Feb 27, 2025 9:06 PM ET

Las Vegas is set to host a must-watch UFC event as Alex Pereira defends his Light Heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8th inside the T-Mobile Arena. The reigning champ, Pereira, has been on a tear since moving up to 205 pounds, dismantling former titleholder Jiří Procházka and proving that his legendary knockout power translates across weight classes. But he’s got his hands full with Magomed Ankalaev, an elite Dagestani striker-wrestler with a 13-fight unbeaten streak (outside of a controversial split draw against Jan Błachowicz).

The co-main event nearly fell apart as a last-minute hand injury forced the UFC into full-blown matchmaking mode. For a brief moment, it felt like a wild game of musical chairs, with fighters lining up for a chance at the spot. But when the dust settled, only one man was left standing—one who’s been itching for revenge like a guy who just found out his buddy never paid him back for dinner.

According to Marcel Dorff

D.Hooker out. Justin Gaethje will now fight Rafael Fiziev at #UFC313 on March 8th. #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2025 #Rematch pic.twitter.com/b7oQzV7pQM
— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) February 27, 2025

Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev 2 is now locked in, reigniting a war that first played out at UFC 286: Edwards vs. Usman 3. In their first bout, Gaethje edged out Fiziev by majority decision, leaving the rising Muay Thai specialist hungry to even the score. Fiziev has been vocal about wanting that rematch, and now, he gets his shot.

Expect pure chaos when these two meet in the Octagon again.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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