The seasoned lightweight, Dan Hooker, was all set to clash with the hard-hitting Justin Gaethje in the co-main event of UFC 313, scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Unfortunately, a hand injury has forced “The Hangman” to step back from the fight.
Rafael Fiziev, ranked 11th in the lightweight division, is stepping up on short notice to face Gaethje. Fiziev previously went toe-to-toe with “The Highlight” in an epic “Fight of the Night” showdown during the UFC 286 event in early 2023, where he lost by a narrow majority decision.
Gaethje, boasting a record of 25 wins and 5 losses, is recovering from a knockout defeat at the hands of former featherweight champion Max Holloway. On the other side, “Ataman” Fiziev, with 12 wins and 3 losses, is eager to break his two-fight losing streak, which was punctuated by a painful knee injury in a bout against the formidable Mateusz Gamrot.
Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Hooker has just come off a successful run, securing three consecutive victories. This streak includes a hard-fought split decision win over lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in Perth last summer. As for Hooker’s return to the octagon, fans may have to wait until late 2025 for a possible comeback.
For more details on the UFC 313 fight card and pay-per-view lineup, click here.
