UFC is not just brawls and brutal knockouts, it has several prerequisites needed for the perfect execution of a fight and clean win in the different categories. Height, Weight, and reach are the three golden factors that can make or break a fighter’s performance inside the cage. If two fighters are competing in the same weight division, they have to meet these criteria, especially the weight. We have seen how weight cuts and weighing in can be a success or a failure, and determine if a fighter is eligible or not.
Remember how Khamzat Chimaev missed weight by 7.5 pounds for his UFC 279 welterweight fight against Nate Diaz? This even forced a cancellation of the fight! So how do the lightweight fighters Rafael Fiziev and Justin Gaethje stack up in these departments? Before the UFC 313 showdown and a rematch between ‘The Highlight’ and ‘Ataman’ let’s break down the aspects and see who has a physical advantage.
Gaethje vs. Fiziev height and reach comparison
Justin Gaethje was born on November 14, 1988, which makes him 36 and he stands at 5’11” with a reach of 70″ (178cm). He competes in the UFC’s lightweight division, and last weighed 156 lbs for his fight against Max Holloway at UFC 300. On the other hand, 12-3-0 Fiziev is 32 and stands at 5’7″ with a reach of 71.5″ (182cm).
So, with 3 or so inches more than Fiziev in the height department, Gaethje might have a better advantage in height, however the Kazakh native has a better reach with 182 cm. Interestingly, the fighters already know each other’s strength and weakness because they have had an encounter before at UFC 286 where Gaethje won and the 25-5-0 will get a chance to face his old opponent again.
Gaethje’s initial opponent, Dan Hooker, suffered a hand injury and was removed from the UFC 313 card and Fiziev stepped in on short notice. So since Gaethje (your favorite fighter’s favorite fighter) brings in action, entertainment with the highest level of MMA, this fight is expected to be as exciting as their previous one.
Who weighs more, Justin Gaethje or Rafael Fiziev?
Gaethje and Fiziev both are coming off of losses in their last fight and both have the determination to right all wrongs. So if we had to see who has a weight advantage, definitely it is Fiziev because, according to an Instagram page named Home of Fight, the UFC star walks around at 180lbs despite being just 5’7” which makes him one of the shortest Lightweights in the division.
The page also said, “In one of his interviews he said that the UFC is sending fighters all necessary supplements like proteins, vitamins, acids, etc. by a sponsored company. Rafael bench presses 240 pounds 5 times.” Justin Gaethje does not like cutting weight, therefore his walkaround weight might be around 180 lbs normally. Gaethje and Fiziev’s previous clashes at UFC 286 delivered a thrilling performance and ever since that loss to Gaethje, Fiziev has appeared in the cage just once against Mateusz Gamrot.
The fight against Mateusz Gamrot in September 2023, ended badly for Fiziev. He had suffered a torn ACL leading to a TKO loss. The injury even needed surgery and rehabilitation, keeping him on the sidelines. Finally, he is coming back and stepping in with less than two weeks’ notice. Do you think he can win this fight or Gaethje will get the victory again? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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