Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev Prediction: What To Expect In This UFC 286 Co-Main Event
Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev Prediction: What To Expect In This UFC 286 Co-Main Event
We now head over to the co-main event of the evening, as Rafael "Ataman" Fiziev goes up against Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje in a bout so nice they're probably going to end up doing it twice.
Let's get right into my pick.
Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: Saturday, March 17, 2023
- Start Time: 5:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN+
Click here for Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev odds
Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev Prediction
While Justin has fan love and support as an advantage over the relatively unknown Fiziev, what "Ataman" possesses is ultimately something far greater. For starters, Fiziev possesses just about the highest level of Muay Thai ever seen inside of the Octagon, holding numerous titles and medals under that quintessential stand-up banner.
Secondly, Fiziev is not nearly as damaged goods as the human homunculus in Justin, nor as he had his time in the limelight. Sure, some can perceive this as being too green for the center stage or spotlight on the big stage, but I break it down as him being genuinely hungrier than Gaethje. He's eager to make his stamp and his bread before his career spirals in any capacity.
I wholeheartedly believe Fiziev even has Justin Gaethje dead to rights in the leg-kicking game, something "The Human Highlight" is usually the more well-versed one in more often times than not. Frankly, the only way I see Gaethje beating Rafael is in a Twitter poll.
Look out for the Tiger Muay Thai Marauder in "Ataman" Fiziev to stick it to the man and stick it well, stopping Justin Gaethje before he can even get going, pulverizing him on route to first-round finish victory due to accumulation.
Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev Pick
- Rafael Fiziev point spread -130 (Bet $100 to collect $177) Get the best odds, available at DraftKings