Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev Prediction Breakdown:🥊
In the Co-Main of UFC 286, we have an exciting match up between fan favorite 3# Justin Gaethje and the dangerous 6# Rafael Fiziev. Both fighters are known for their incredible striking abilities, which will turn this match into an exciting kickboxing match between these 2 for the world to see.
Their Last Performance:🥊
Justin Gaethje's last fight was a submission loss to Charles Oliveira on UFC 274, in which he was submitted by a rear-naked choke in the 1st round. Gaethje got off to a hot start by dropping Oliveria early and landing good shots to put Charles Oliveira on notice.
Rafael Fiziev's last fight was a TKO victory over Rafael dos Anjos in the final moments of round 5 which earned him a performance bonus on UFC fight Night July 9th, 2022. Fiziev showed off his incredible Muay Thai skills and his quick combos with his ability to mix it up to the body. Furthermore Fiziev is on a 6 fight winstreak which includes guys like Bobby Green, RDA, Brad Riddell, and Renato Moicano.
Strengths And Weaknesses:⚖️
Justin Gaethje is known for his explosive striking and has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous fighters in the Lightweight division. He has tremendous power in his hands and leg kicks. However, his style can be quite reckless at times, which has left him open to counters at times. Gaethje in the past has been prone to eating leg kicks, putting no focus on checking his opponents kicks.
Rafael Fiziev is a technically sound striker with excellent footwork and movement. He is a tricky Muay Thai fighter and has shown that he can hold his own in the grappling department as well. However, overall his weakness lies in his grappling.
Their Martial Arts Background:🥋
Justin Gaethje has a background in wrestling and was a NCAA Division I All-American out of Northern Colorado. Justin Gaethje trains with the Elevation Fight Team, which has worked with fighters such as Curtis Blaydes, Neil Magny, and Cory Sandhagen.
Rafael Fiziev is a pro Muay Thai Fighter. He has also trained in boxing and kickboxing and has picked up Jiu Jitsu. Rafael Fiziev trains with Tiger Muay Thai, one of the most renowned fight teams in the world. Members of this team includes the likes of Valentina Shevchenko, Petr Yan, and Alexander Volkanovski.
Possible Outcomes:🔮
- Justin Gaethje by TKO/KO - Gaethje's power and striking ability could be too much for Fiziev to handle, and if he can find a way to close the distance and land his shots cleanly, he could finish the fight early.
- Rafael Fiziev by Decision - Fiziev's diverse striking and movement could give Gaethje trouble, and if he can keep the fight at range and avoid Gaethje's power shots, he could win a decision on the scorecards.
- Rafael Fiziev by TKO - Same as above but Gaethje crumbles to the mix of leg kicks and body shots leading to a finish.
Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev Prediction Pick: 🥊
This matchup favors Rafael Fiziev due to this likely exclusively turning into a kickboxing match. Fiziev's excellent movement and footwork will allow him to avoid Justin Gaethje's power shots and counter effectively. Fiziev is also 4 years younger than Gaethje, and has endured less wars, Gaethje's body simply may not be able to keep up. However, Justin Gaethje is still incredibly dangerous with his style and power.
THE PICK: FIZIEV ML / FIZIEV DEC.
