Fiziev was one of the first lightweights to offer his services as a replacement, along with Renato Moicano and Mateusz Gamrot, and the Azerbaijani got the nod. He will fight Gaethje two years after losing a narrow decision to the American in London.

Arman Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC), who pulled out of his title fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 just one day prior, clarifies that he was willing to face Gaethje on short notice – but in a catchweight bout.