UFC 286 has been one of the most amazing events. Filled with some amazing performances and finishes, the event was everything fans asked for. However, one of the ‘highlights’ was easily the co-main event between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev.
Facing off in a three-round contest, there was a lot of hype behind the fight. On the night the #3 ranked contender Gaethje and #6 ranked Fiziev truly delivered a fight for the ages at UFC 286. Both fighters were battered and bruised by the end of the fight. After a thorough back and forth, Justin was able to edge out a majority decision win.
Both fighters have been very respectful in the lead-up to the fight and continued the same after the fight. Notably, fans have pointed out a brief interaction between the two prior to Gaethje’s post-fight interview. As the two fighters congratulated and gave respect to each other, Ataman could be heard saying, “All your punches are f*cking damage, f*ck!”
With it being the “Fight of the Night,” Gaethje and Fiziev lived up to the fan expectations for the fight. Although Fiziev was able to take the first round, Gaethje came back with one of his own. However, the damage to Fiziev’s face and a takedown in the third round meant that Gaethje was the deserving winner of the contest.
Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev: Striking stats
The two evenly-matched fighters came in with the objective of finishing the other man. Since both fighters pride themselves as strikers, this matchup was always going to be a striker’s paradise. When it comes to the fight, let’s take a look at the striking stats and how many punches both fighters landed.
Whilst The Highlight landed 8 of his 14 leg kicks, Fiziev landed 7 of his 8 kicks. When it comes to strikes to the body, Fiziev out-landed Gaethje 52-14. However, the key factor was Gaethje’s 81 strikes to the head compared to Fiziev’s 31. As such, Gaethje also scored more significant strikes and total strikes, 103 and 106, respectively.
Hey he did get that takedown! 🤣 #UFC286 pic.twitter.com/eT5Z5An0eG
— UFC (@ufc) March 18, 2023
By the end of the third round, Gaethje’s work was evident, with Fiziev bruised and bloody near his eyes. Interestingly, Gaethje also showed a new element to his game, mixing in takedowns with his striking. Moreover, his all-important takedown in Round 3 was met with a lot of joy and support from the fans and likely played a role in swaying the judges’ decision.
Now with a win under his belt, Gaethje believes that he needs one more win before he can put his name forward for a title shot. However, many fans were concerned with Gaethje as he seemed to indicate that it would be his last run at the title before he considers hanging his gloves up for good. Now 34 and with a lot of damage taken throughout his career, a relatively early exit after a title win seems to be the plan for Justin.
