Justin Gaethje says five lightweights turned down UFC 313 fight; two respond

Justin Gaethje outed numerous lightweights for apparently declining to fight him on short notice at UFC 313.

Gaethje was in need of a new opponent after Dan Hooker withdrew from their March 8 co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas due to a fractured hand. “The Highlight” had every intention of remaining on the card, and the likes of Rafael Fiziev, Renato Moicano, and Mateusz Gamrot offered to step in.

It was Fiziev (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) who got his wish, but according to Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC), the UFC tried to go in various different directions first.

“Arman and Charles understandably said no. Max and Dustin understandably said no. Moicano got the call and said no. Props to Fiziev for volunteering to fly across the world and take this fight. Big risk here for me taking this rematch against and elite striker. Life’s a trip. Best live show on earth going down March 8th #UFC313.”

Arman Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC), who pulled out of his title fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 just one day prior, clarifies that he was willing to face Gaethje on short notice – but in a catchweight bout.

“I didn’t say no, I accepted immediately and asked for a 160 lbs catchweight 11 days out from weigh ins, UFC said that wasn’t an option.”

I didn’t say no, I accepted immediately and asked for a 160lbs catchweight 11 days out from weigh ins, UFC said that wasn’t an option https://t.co/3IfQ3Rjhv5

— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) February 27, 2025

Gaethje appeared to confirm that Tsarukyan’s issue was weight related.

“That’s a big weight cut on short notice.”

That’s a big weight cut on short notice.

— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) February 27, 2025

Poirier also responded to Gaethje, who clarified he meant nothing negative by what he said.

I was just running back the crazy 48hrs I went through. I was not trying to imply any of you guys would not fight me. Arman was too heavy, same with charles. UFC obviously has plans for you at a later date so they said that’s a no go.

— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) February 27, 2025

Fiziev will get a chance to avenge his majority decision loss to Gaethje at UFC 286 in March 2023. He has only competed once since, losing to Mateusz Gamrot by TKO due to injury in September 2023 when he suffered a torn ACL mid-fight.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 313.