Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev went all 3 rounds at the O2 Arena. Although by the end of the 15 minutes, most fans wished that the UFC booked for 5 rounds instead. Rafael and Justin bloodied each other in a brutal war in the UFC 286 co-main event.
“The Highlight” managed to win a lopsided decision against the up-and-coming Fiziev who impressed many with his performance despite the loss. However, it was the manner in which he defeated his UFC 286 opponent that excited fans all over during the fight. This is because Justin lost the first round to Rafael Fiziev, and he knew it.
"I got my takedown, everyone can shut the f**k up now!" 😂
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 18, 2023
🇺🇸 @Justin_Gaethje is one of a kind, ladies and gentlemen. #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/87Mdcg5tBJ
Despite the early setback, Gaethje bounced back strongly in the second round, managing to land his check left hook like clockwork. And it was this one of these punches which opened up a huge gash near Fiziev’s right eye. And as the fight wore on, Gaethje incorporated the jab into his offense and this eye injury only got worse. Eventually, it got to the point where Fiziev’s eye was as good as closed.
Gaethje also landed a takedown on Rafael Fiziev with barely 10 seconds remaining in the final round to ensure the decision victory. Bloody, brutal fights like this are why fans love Justin Gaethje. And they made their love for him known on the internet. Even fighters joined in as they all showed their appreciation for the modern-day gladiator, Justin Gaethje.
Internet reacts to Justin Gaethje punching Rafael Fiziev’s eye shut
Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje has a tendency to get into brutal slugfests against his opponents whenever possible. He has had instant classics with Charles Oliveira, and Michael Chandler, and has two brutal finishes of Tony Ferguson and Edson Barboza under his belt. And this list goes on as you look further back in his resume that is why fans absolutely adore him.
And at UFC 286, he proved that he was fully worthy of this adoration after his brutal beatdown of Rafael Fiziev, especially in the third round. Fiziev’s right eye was destroyed by Gaethje’s left hook and jab, it was a bloody mess by the end of the 15-minute fight. And fighters and fans alike appreciated Justin and his performance in London.
What a War!!
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) March 18, 2023
Congrats to both fighters but Geathje is a beast!
Holy Violence!!! Let’s go live been waiting for this Co-main!!!!#UFC286
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) March 18, 2023
Nonstop action 🔥#ufc287
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) March 18, 2023
On the other hand, fans were more concerned with the damage Justin Gaethje caused to Rafael Fiziev’s right eye. It looked absolutely brutal by the end of the fight and some fans showed concern for him. However, some Justin Gaethje fans used this opportunity to mock the Georgian lightweight.
Rafael Fiziev needs to check on that right eye.
— Abidemi (@Abis_Corner) March 18, 2023
Rafael Fiziev is a warrior, they eye is gonna look brutal tomorrow!! #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/GQJsobxUpB
— Seconds Out Fight Store (@secondsout_) March 18, 2023
“I’m the real highlight.” Or whatever the fuck this overhyped bum kept chirping about. Yeah @RafaelFiziev you’ve become a highlight on Justin’s resume. 💀🥶 pic.twitter.com/iTEIxVqxgS
— Tyreese (@thedonwario) March 18, 2023
Justin Gaethje, with his performance, showed the world that he is still among the top lightweights in the world. It remains to be seen who he fights next but another win could see him being fast-tracked to a title shot against Islam Makhachev.
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