Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC
Justin Gaethje should be next in line for the winner of Khabib vs. Ferguson, but Donald Cerrone explains why that might not be the case.
Donald Cerrone has explained why based on where he sits in the rankings and his recent form, Justin Gaethje should get a title shot next. However sadly for Gaethje it might not be that simple.
In a time where fights are made based on stars, rivalries and big names, it’s no surprise to say that the number one contender isn’t always awarded a title shot. Despite Gaethje being on a three fight winning streak, all of which being finishes over top lightweights, Cerrone told MMA Junkie why Gaethje might not get a title shot next.
“If you’re talking rankings and deserving, sure,” Cerrone said about Gaethje. “If you’re talking popularity and the business side of it and making money, yeah. It’s two different games. The UFC gets to pick and choose and do that they want for what makes financially more sense for them. That’s just what this game has turned into.”
Current UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is scheduled to meet Tony Ferguson for the fifth time at UFC 249 in April. Meanwhile, Cerrone will serve as the opponent for the return of former two-division champion Conor McGregor in January.
Gaethje recently said it’s a ‘crock of sh-t’ if McGregor is awarded another title shot if he gets past Cerrone next month.