Justin Gaethje's five potential Dan Hooker replacements after UFC 313 cancellation
02/25/2025 10:15 AM
‘The Highlight’ has been left without an opponent for March 8 following an incredibly unfortunate injury.
Dan Hooker announced that due to an injured hand, he will not be competing in Las Vegas in just over a week in one of the best matchups of the year.
Both Hooker and Justin Gaethje are known for bringing it each and every single time that they step inside the Octagon which makes this cancellation hurt more than most.
It isn’t yet known whether the fight will be rescheduled for a later date or if the UFC will be able to put a new fight together with several top lightweights already putting their hands up to face Gaethje.
Here are five potential options that the UFC could go with in order to keep one of the most exciting fighters in the history of the sport on the card.
1. Ilia Topuria
Undoubtedly the option that would create the biggest social media storm would be the former UFC featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria.
Less than one week ago, it was announced that Topuria had vacated the 145-pound title with ‘El Matador’ moving up a weight class.
The undefeated star could seemingly go right into a title fight with Islam Makhachev but this would be the perfect opportunity to prove himself in the lightweight division first.
2. Dustin Poirier
Dustin Poirier is currently targeting the final night of his 40-fight career which he expects to take place in July or August with New Orleans being his ideal location.
However, it would be a shame to see ‘The Diamond’ go out without the conclusion of his trilogy of fights with Justin Gaethje.
They’re currently tied at 1-1 after Gaethje evened the score from their incredible 2018 war by stopping Poirier in the first round at UFC 291 to win the BMF title.
3. Charles Oliveira
Charles Oliveira returned to the win column at UFC 309 with an impressive win over Michael Chandler but despite being at the top of the lightweight division, he probably needs another big result before he’s back in the title picture.
‘Do Bronx’ already fought and beat Gaethje at UFC 274 where he submitted him in the first round but in terms of adding some more star power to a card that already has Alex Pereira at the top, you can’t get much better than the former lightweight champion.
4. Rafael Fiziev
Rafael Fiziev was the first lightweight to put his name in the mix as a potential opponent for Gaethje on short notice.
Fiziev has history with ‘The Highlight’ having been beaten by him at UFC 286 via majority decision and he’s been actively calling for any and all lightweight contenders to face him so that he can make his long awaited return after suffering a devastating injury in 2023.
5. Mateusz Gamrot
Mateusz Gamrot, the last man to face Rafael Fiziev, has also put his name in the mix by referencing his last fight against Dan Hooker which came down to a split decision.
As the #8-ranked contender in the division, Gamrot would have a lot to gain from this matchup even if it isn’t the kind of new fight announcement that would hit social media like a bomb.
Renato Moicano has also called out Gaethje coming off of a loss but Gamrot’s position in the rankings might make him more eligible.
Justin Gaethje isn’t going to be an issue
The easy part about putting a new fight together for the UFC is that one of the parties they’re dealing with is Justin Gaethje.
Unless the matchmakers come to him with a new opportunity that would require him being removed from the card, you know that ‘The Highlight’ will be ready to go on March 8.
Gaethje has also produced so many incredible contests during his 13-fight run with the promotion that regardless of the opponent, you know you’re in for something special.
The UFC does have a good track record for pulling a rabbit out of the hat in these scenarios but now we await some news on what is next for the former interim lightweight and BMF champion.
