Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev 3/18/23 – UFC 286 features the lightweight clash between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev as the co-main event. This UFC 286 fight between Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev promises to be an exciting spectacle as both fighters are known for their entertaining style of fights. Gaethje is looking to reestablish himself, while Fiziev hopes to continue his impressive form. MMA fight picks are updated frequently, so fans who enjoy watching an exciting bout that can earn some money while doing so.
Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev
Date & Time: Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET
Location: O2 Arena in London, England
TV: ESPN+
Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev Betting Odds
Gaethje
Moneyline: +190
Fiziev
Moneyline: -225
Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev Analysis
Justin Gaethje is 23-4 overall, with all four of his losses coming against champions or interim champions – Eddie Alvarez, Dustin Poier, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. Gaethje was the interim champ of the UFC Lightweight division in 2020 after defeating Tony Ferguson by technical knockout. This marked his last time defeating someone this way – 19 out of 23 wins have come this way, plus one submission win and one decision victory. He’s an impressive striker, landing 7.46 significant strikes per minute. It is no shock that he’s won so many fights by KO/TKO. What is surprising, however, is the lack of submission wins in his portfolio; after all, he used to compete in NCAA Division I wrestling.
Rafael Fiziev is 12-1 in his pro MMA career, with his only loss coming on his UFC debut when he lost by TKO to Magomed Mustafaev. Since then, he’s won six straight fights, earning himself the Performance of the Night bonus three times and another bonus on two occasions. The Azerbaijani fighter has a unique style of striking that has gone viral on social media, particularly his Matrix-style strike dodging. His defense is solid and he often lands punches. Eight of his 12 victories were by KO/TKO, with one win by submission and two by decision.
Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev Stats
| Gaethje | Fiziev | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 23-4-0 | 12-1-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 9:37 | 11:53 |
| Height | 5′ 11″ | 5′ 8″ |
| Weight | 155 lbs. | 155 lbs. |
| Reach | 70″ | 71″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Switch |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 7.46 | 4.81 |
| Striking Accuracy | 60% | 50% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 7.85 | 4.86 |
| Defense | 55% | 50% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.00 | 0.36 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 0% | 40% |
| Takedown Defense | 75% | 92% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Justin Gaethje vs Rafael Fiziev Free Pick
Due to both fighters’ tendency for throwing a lot of strikes in each fight, we doubt we’ll see all five rounds on Saturday. UFC betting trends believe one fighter will tire out quickly and the other will take advantage of that by landing some hard shots. Gaethje has the skills and the experience necessary to prevail in this fight.
Free Pick: Justin Gaethje +190
