Former interim lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje insists he should be next to compete for divisional gold against the incumbent, Islam Makhachev following last weekend’s UFC 294 win – however, as far as the Arizona native is further concerned, if he is overlooked in favor of a rematch with Charles Oliveira, he has no problem sitting out and laying in wait for his title fight.
Gaethje, a former interim lightweight champion, current number two ranked contender and symbolic BMF championship holder, has been sidelined since he featured in the main event of UFC 291 back in July, landing a stunning second round high-kick knockout win over Dustin Poirier in the pair’s rematch.
Featuring in the corner of training partner and former welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 last weekend, Gaethje would watch on as the above-mentioned, Makhachev turned in a stunning successful defense of his lightweight crown, stopping two-time foe and featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski with a thunderous first round high-kick knockout win.
And immediately campaigning for a title fight with Makhachev next, Gaethje’s chances to fight for gold against the Russian next have been immediately quashed, with UFC CEO, Dana White confirming plans to rebook Makhachev against Oliveira next.
Justin Gaethje willing to lay in wait for title fight with Islam Makhachev
Sharing his thoughts on his immediate fighting future, Gaethje claimed he would have no issue laying in wait for a title fight against Makhachev, questioning whom else he could fight in order to land a title fight.
“Who do I fight?” Justin Gaethje asked during a recent interview with ESPN. “There’s no one. I did what I had to do. I don’t know what else I need to do.”
“If they [the UFC] want to put (Charles) Oliveira in there, then I fight him (Islam Makhachev) in September,” Justin Gaethje explained. “I have no issues waiting. Again, as I get older, I get to understand from now until the time I’m gonna fight him I’m gonna be building strength. I’m gonna be working on my cardio, I’m gonna be refining my skills. So, I’ll have as much time as they give me and I’ll be that much more ready.”
Who wins in a future title fight: Islam Makhachev or Justin Gaethje?