UFC rising star Jean Silva has offered to return to the octagon to face Justin Gaethje after Gaethje’s original opponent, Dan Hooker, withdrew due to injury.
Silva is set to make his comeback after his KO victory over Drew Dober in the lightweight division last year. “Lord” believes that a fight with Gaethje would be a great way to return to the octagon and is willing to step in on short notice. During an interview with Ariel Helwani, Silva discussed his past wins and shared his thoughts on facing the former BMF champion. Silva referred to himself as a hitman, stating that he is prepared to fight anyone.
“I would love to fight some top-level strikers; it makes sense to me,” Jean Silva said through a translator when asked about fighting Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 earlier today. “Once again, it’s not about the person, it’s not about the foundation or visualization—it’s something I would like to do.”
He continued, “But at the same time, I made a joke here: I’m open to whatever. I’m like a hitman. If you pay the price, I’m going to fight, and I’m going to execute. So, I would love to face Justin Gaethje, but right now, there’s nothing going on. There’s nothing concrete.”
After much anticipation, the UFC has finally announced Dan Hooker’s replacement: Rafael Fiziev, who faced Gaethje in 2023. The two fought at UFC 286, where Gaethje emerged victorious. Since that defeat, Fiziev has been out of the octagon, but his return gives him another opportunity following two straight losses to Mateusz Gamrot and Gaethje.
