Justin Gaethje’s return is likely to happen in the first quarter of 2023.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that a lightweight matchup between Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev is being targeted for UFC 286, which takes place March 18 at the O2 Arena in London. Gaethje also confirmed the booking on Twitter.
Verbal agreements are in place for the contest, which was first reported by UFC broadcast partner ESPN.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Gethje stated that he would be returning in March or April and that he wanted to share the card in London. Kamaru Usman is scheduled to take on Leon Edwards, the welterweight champion. “The Highlight” will look to bounce back from a submission loss against Charles Oliveira in the lightweight championship main event at UFC 274 in May.
Fiziev won six consecutive matches in the Octagon, with eye-opening results against Rafael dos Anjos (previously) and Brad Riddell (previously). He is the No. 6 fighter in MMA Fighting’s Global Rankings also has victories against Bobby Green and Renato Moicano during this impressive win streak.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/1/14/23555567/justin-gaethje-vs-rafael-fiziev-targeted-for-ufc-286-in-london?rand=96749
