Gaethje still moving on with fight despite opponent’s withdrawal

Justin Gaethje has said that he’s still very much on course to fight at UFC 313 next month. This confirmation is coming after his original opponent, Dan Hoover, announced his withdrawal from the fixture on Tuesday due to a hand injury. But this new development has not changed things for Gaethje, as he is still looking forward to fighting that night. 

News of Gaethje’s position was given by Daniel Cormier, who revealed that Gaethje still wants his name on the fight card. He said: “I called him (Gaethje) this morning, and my immediate question was, ‘Do you have any plans to not fight this weekend?’ He goes, ‘Are you crazy?’ That’s Justin Gaethje. He goes, ‘Are you crazy? Of course, I’m fighting!'”

His decision to remain in the fight means Gaethje will have to pick a new opponent soon, and he’s not out of options. Three fighters have already signified their desire to fight him, and he’s ready for anybody. 

Rafael Fiziev took to Twitter (X) to catch Gaethje’s attention by tweeting, “Let’s run it back.” The two met at UFC 286 in March 2023, with Gaethje winning by decision. Fiziev has been out of action for a while now, and it seems fitting that his comeback fight should be against Gathje to assert his revenge. But there’s also the question of whether he’s up to it, seeing as he’s been away for a long time. 

Another fighter who has signaled his interest in stepping up as Gaethje’s opponent is Renato Moicano, who said he’s comfortable with getting ready within a short period: “Two weeks is good. I have enough time for two or three sparring sessions. I will be ready if they call.” Moicano is no stranger to stepping up as a replacement, as he recently did so in January, although he lost by submission in the first round against Islam Makhachev. 

The UFC is expected to announce a replacement opponent soon or give an update on whether the right will hold at all. They may end up going for someone who’s volunteered to step up or someone else entire.