Justin Gaethje has been lauded as having turned in the 'Performance of the Year' already at UFC 313 by Octagon veteran, Chael Sonnen.

The best facts to come out of UFC 313, which saw Justin Gaethje leave with his 14th post-fight bonus in 14 UFC fights.

Justin Gaethje proved he isn’t done contending for UFC gold with his triumphant showing at UFC 313. Almost a full year after suffering a buzzer-beating knockout defeat to Max Holloway, Gaethje looked rejuvenated and as dangerous as he’s ever been in outpointing Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision.

For the second time in two years, Justin Gaethje was the fresher fighter against Rafael Fiziev when it mattered most and the lightweight action star now finds himself on the verge of another big fight.

After his knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 in April 2024, Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) showed he’s still capable of winning at the top level when earned a unanimous decision over Fiziev (12-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) in the rematch lightweight contenders – Gaethje won the first in March 2023 – at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Justin Gaethje couldn't have done much more to impress at UFC 313 — though Kamaru Usman does have one thing in mind.

Justin Gaethje does not wish to fight Dustin Poirier a third time. Poirier is set to have a retirement fight in 2025.

Justin Gaethje outworked and outgunned Rafael Fiziev to win a hard-fought unanimous decision in UFC 313's short-notice rematch.

Gaethje seems like a perfect opponent, but after beating Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, the always-entertaining lightweight contender ruled out a third fight with Poirier. Gaethje has been clear about his desire to fight Islam Makhachev for lightweight gold next.