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Justin Gaethje Sparks Controversy Over UFC 313 Co-Main Spot

Justin Gaethje stirred up the MMA world with a post on X, alleging that several fighters turned down the co-main event spot for UFC 313. Gaethje found himself without an opponent after Dan Hooker suffered a serious hand injury just weeks before their highly anticipated fight. Speculation ran high about who would step in to fill the spot. According to Gaethje, many UFC lightweights declined the opportunity. Some, including Arman Tsarukyan, defended themselves, explaining that they were unable to make weight on such short notice.

https://x.com/Justin_Gaethje/status/1894969809357677045

However, one fighter in the top ten was noticeably absent from Gaethje’s comments: Mateusz Gamrot. The Polish fighter quickly responded on X, stating, “You know I was ready to make weight and fight 5 rounds.”

https://x.com/gamer_mma/status/1895166719913542053

Gamrot Speaks Out

Fight Bananas had the opportunity to sit down with Gamrot this week to get the full story. According to Gamrot, he was offered the short-notice fight against Gaethje and was prepared to accept. However, Gamrot claims he was told that Gaethje wasn’t willing to face him and instead chose to rematch Rafael Fiziev. While disappointed, Gamrot seemed to understand Gaethje’s decision, saying, “He didn’t mention me because he knew I was a nightmare for him in terms of style. He didn’t want to risk it… I think he chose a better style for himself, one that he felt he could prepare for.”

Fiziev vs. Gamrot Fallout

Fiziev took aim at Gamrot on X, accusing the Polish fighter of turning down a potential rematch between the two in February.

https://x.com/RafaelFiziev/status/1894984979031171490

Gamrot explained why he had to decline the opportunity, saying, “When I got the offer to fight Fiziev, I was on vacation with my family. I said I’d gladly fight him, but at a different time. If he hadn’t jumped into the fight now, I think our fight would have taken place.”

Though he was disappointed not to land the Gaethje matchup, Gamrot acknowledged that the upcoming rematch between Gaethje and Fiziev will be an exciting contest. “I think this fight will be a war, and someone will get knocked out.”

Gamrot’s Prediction and Future Plans

When asked who he thought would win the co-main event, Gamrot simply said “50/50, but somebody will be dead.”

With the changes to UFC 313’s lineup leaving him without a fight, Gamrot is eager to get back into action. “I’ve been training hard for two months at ATT, and I’m ready for anyone.” He’s focused on breaking into the top five and expressed interest in facing Gaethje at some point, even if Gaethje loses this weekend.

Stay Tuned for UFC 313 Coverage

As the excitement builds for UFC 313, make sure to tune in to Fight Bananas for our live watch-along, where we’ll be breaking down every moment of the action. We’ll also be posting a full article with live results as the event unfolds. Don’t miss a second of the action—stay with us for all the updates and insights!