Linked with a shocking short-notice return subsequent week at UFC 313, Charles Oliveira has been described as “too heavy” to compete in a light-weight rematch in opposition to Justin Gaethje — by the previous interim champion himself, who claims he was initially focused to battle.
Gaethje, a former interim light-weight titleholder and symbolic BMF titleholder, is about to make his return subsequent week at UFC 313, taking up former-foe, Rafael Fiziev in a 3 spherical rematch on short-notice.
Picture by way of: Getty
Initially, Gaethje was slated to tackle the surging Metropolis Kickboxing putting expertise, Dan Hooker in a possible title-eliminator over the course of 5 rounds, earlier than a hand fracture dominated the latter from proceedings in ‘Sin Metropolis.
And finally touchdown on a rematch in opposition to Kazakh-born striker, Fiziev, perennial contender, Gaethje revealed a who’s who of expertise at 155lbs turned down the possibility to battle him on quick discover at UFC 313.
“Arman and Charles understandably said no. Max and Dustin understandably said no. Moicano got the call and said no. Props to Fiziev for volunteering to fly across the world and take this fight. Big risk here for me taking this rematch against and elite striker. Life’s a trip. Best live show on earth going down March 8th #UFC313.”
Justin Gaethje claims Charles Oliveira was “too heavy” to battle at UFC 313
And replying to two-fight rival, Poirier who denied he had really turned down a trilogy rubber match as quickly as subsequent week, Gaethje revealed Sao Paulo finisher, Oliveira was a frontrunner to battle him at UFC 313 in an impromptu rematch, however weight points led to the pairing’s shelving.
“I was just running back the crazy 48hrs I went through,” Justin Gaethje tweeted. “I was not trying to imply any of you guys would not fight me. Arman was too heavy, same with Charles (Oliveira). UFC obviously has plans for you at a later date so they said that’s a no-go.”
I used to be simply operating again the loopy 48hrs I went by means of. I used to be not making an attempt to suggest any of you guys wouldn’t battle me. Arman was too heavy, identical with charles. UFC clearly has plans for you at a later date in order that they stated that’s a no go.
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) February 27, 2025
Initially headlining UFC 274, Oliveira was stripped of his undisputed light-weight crown as a result of a doubtful weight miss, earlier than occurring to cease Gaethje with a shocking opening spherical rear-naked choke submission win in dominant style.
