Justin Gaethje reveals likely UFC 313 opponent for first fight since Max Holloway knockout loss
Yesterday at 07:20 PM
Justin Gaethje is close to booking his return to the Octagon almost a full year removed from his BMF knockout loss to Max Holloway.
Former interim UFC lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje hasn’t competed since losing the coveted BMF title to Max Holloway at UFC 300. One second away from a likely decision loss to Holloway, Gaethje suffered a knockout punch in one of the most remarkable knockouts of all time.
Gaethje took a rare, long break from training and fighting following UFC 300. As the new year kicks off, he’s targeting a return at UFC 313, tentatively set for T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
While Gaethje doesn’t have a fight booked, as of this writing, he believes he’s on a collision course with a fellow fan favorite.
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Justin Gaethje eyes UFC fan favorite for UFC 313 bout
During a recent upload to his YouTube channel, Gaethje revealed an intriguing name for his targeted UFC comeback.
"So there's no official fight signed but I told the UFC maybe two or three months ago that March was the date I was looking for," Gaethje said. "I know there's a fight on March 8th in Las Vegas so that's the one I told them I wanted to be on. I think they're figuring out fights right now but I'm certainly mentally preparing, physically preparing to fight on that date.
"I think it's going to be Dan Hooker but with the UFC, things can always change. But that's what I'm preparing for, mentally, physically for that fight March 8. So back to work. Feeling good, ready to go." (h/t MMA Fighting)
Gaethje has also been mentioned as a potential opponent for Dustin Poirier’s anticipated retirement fight later this year. He knocked out Poirier with a head kick at UFC 291 for the then-vacant BMF belt.
Dan Hooker hasn’t appeared in the cage since a ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305. After earning the split decision win at UFC 305, Hooker surged into the lightweight Top 5 and is on the verge of a potential title shot.
Justin Gaethje took a long layoff following a brutal loss to Max Holloway
Hooker has won three fights in a row since a featherweight knockout loss to Arnold Allen in March 2022. He’s defeated Jalin Turner, Claudio Puelles, and Gamrot during his current winning streak.
A matchup between Gaethje and Hooker would make a lot of sense in the UFC lightweight division’s title picture. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev faces Arman Tsarukyan this weekend at UFC 311, and the Gaethje/Hooker winner could be next in line for a title shot.
The coming weeks could bring some clarity to Gaethje’s anticipated comeback fight and whether or not Hooker will be his next opponent. Regardless, fight fans should be excited to hear that one of the biggest UFC fan favorites is nearing a return.
