“I know, full well, 100 percent, that this fight is gonna end no matter whose arm gets raised. Then I’m going straight into the stretcher, straight into the back of an ambulance, and I’m going to the hospital. I’ve come to terms that that’s how this night is going to end,” Dan Hooker ominously predicted the outcome of his upcoming fight with Justin Gaethje. Despite this grim expectation, fate caught up with Hooker earlier than anticipated. His determination to push through the fight ultimately led to him breaking his hand.

Meanwhile, everything seemed to be going smoothly for Dana White and his multi-billion-dollar UFC empire. However, today, the MMA world was shaken by the unfortunate news regarding the UFC 313 pay-per-view event at the T-Mobile Arena next month. Set for March 8, the event was to feature a highly anticipated lightweight co-main event between ‘The Highlight’ and ‘The Hangman’. And now, we have this injury.

Dan Hooker, sitting alongside his daughter, recently confirmed the initial rumor by sharing the news in a social media video. “We did have a little break; we’ve been busy,” ‘The Hangman’ explained, adding, “Dad had a fight, or was supposed to have a fight, but I’ve busted my paw.”  In the video, Hooker’s swollen hand was clearly visible, leaving the status of UFC 313’s co-main event uncertain.

Fans were left wondering whether the fight would be scrapped or if ‘The Highlight’ would face a new opponent instead. Recently, Justin Gaethje took to his Snapchat story to provide clarity, posting a photo of himself working on his punching technique, along with the caption: “Hooker is out of the fight. Waiting for a new opponent.”

The upcoming bout at UFC 313 holds significant weight for ‘The Highlight’, no matter who his opponent turns out to be. It’s not just another fight; it’s a critical opportunity for him to redeem himself after suffering a devastating knockout loss to Max Holloway at the historic UFC 300. That defeat not only ended the Arizona native’s win streak but also cost him his BMF title. With Dan Hooker now out of the picture, two top-ranked contenders have stepped up, offering to face Justin Gaethje. So, who are these challengers? Let’s dive in.

Who are the top-ranked contenders eager to face Justin Gaethje next?

The UFC lightweight division, widely considered the most competitive in the promotion, is home to a multitude of top-tier contenders. At 36, Justin Gaethje currently holds the #3 spot, but with no opponent lined up for UFC 313, all eyes are on him as other fighters vie for the chance to take him down and establish their own dominance in the division. The first contender to step up is Rafael Fiziev, ranked #11, with a record of 12-3.

Despite a recent two-fight losing streak, Fiziev has called for a rematch with ‘The Highlight’ after their first encounter at UFC 286 in 2023. He made his challenge clear on X, writing, “Let’s run it back @Justin_Gaethje.” Meanwhile, Renato Moicano, who seized an opportunity at UFC 311 last month when Arman Tsarukyan had to withdraw from his fight with Islam Makhachev, is also keeping himself in the conversation.

Although Moicano was initially set to face a different opponent, he stepped in on short notice when the opportunity arose. Now, he’s making it known to Dana White & Co. that he’s ready for another challenge. On X, Moicano shared, “Two weeks is good! I have enough time for 2 or 3 sparring sessions! I will be ready if they call!”  With both Rafael Fiziev and Renato Moicano in the running, who do you believe would be the ideal opponent for Justin Gaethje at UFC 313? Share your thoughts in the comments below.