UFC 286 tips: Justin Gaethje against Rafael Fiziev is a striker’s delight in London
- Liam Hampton
- 17 March 2023
UFC 286’s co main event is a battle between lightweight veteran and former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and Muay Thai standout Rafael Fiziev.
Gaethje's nickname of "The Highlight" is well deserved. With eight post-fight bonuses in his ten UFC appearances, his kill or be killed style is one of the most fan friendly in the entire sport and makes him one of the toughest fighters in the division.
By contrast, Fiziev is a technician who uses his world class muay thai to systematically break down opponents before applying his killer blows.
A dominant performance over Renato Moicano saw the Tiger Muay Thai coach batter him with bruising strikes before a crushing left hook sent his Brazilian opponent to the canvas.
Despite a preference to strike with his opponents, Gaethje has an extensive amateur wrestling background which he honed at the university of Northern Colorado, and it is this background he may have to draw from in this battle with Fiziev.
Fiziev is world class on the feet but his ground game has never gotten a rigorous test inside the octagon.
Stylistically favourable matchups against the likes of Marc Diakiese and Bobby Green are excellent to show off your stand up, but in a fight where takedowns are a risk Fiziev is yet untested. This is where I feel Gaethje has an advantage.
In an interview with MMANews.com he alluded to using his wrestling in this contest and if he does, I think the mix of pressure and wrestling could see "The Highlight" grab another post-fight bonus against Fiziev.
Key Stats
78% of Gaethje's career wins have come by KO
Fiziev has never been submitted in his MMA career
Suggested Bet
Justin Gaethje to win the fight
