Las Vegas, Oct 28: In a resolute declaration, Justin Gaethje has reaffirmed his commitment to securing a shot at the UFC lightweight title and is not exploring any other fight options at this time.
Gaethje (25-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) is riding high after two consecutive victories, including a spectacular head-kick knockout of Dustin Poirier, which earned him the coveted “BMF” title at UFC 291. His recent success has solidified his position as a top contender in the lightweight division.
The current UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC), also made headlines with a first-round head kick knockout to defend his title against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294’s main event in Abu Dhabi. With a potential rematch between Makhachev and Charles Oliveira on the horizon, Gaethje is willing to bide his time for his title opportunity.
In an interview with ESPN, Gaethje expressed his willingness to wait for the title shot, stating, “If they want to put Oliveira in there, then I fight (the winner) in September. Who do I fight? There’s no one. I did what I had to do. I went back, I fought No. 7, fought No. 2, I don’t know what else I need to do. I’ll definitely wait. I have no issues waiting.”
Gaethje emphasized that the waiting period would be advantageous for his physical preparation and skill refinement. He noted, “As I get older, I get to understand from now until the time I fight him I’m going to be building strength. I’m going to be working on my cardio. I’m going to be refining my skills. So I’ll take as much time as they give me, and I’ll be that much more ready.”
While Gaethje dismissed the idea of facing Conor McGregor, he did mention a potential “BMF” title defense against Max Holloway (25-7 MMA, 21-7 UFC). However, he also revealed his reservations about such a matchup, leaving the fight card for the “BMF” title uncertain at this point.
Justin Gaethje is a prominent American mixed martial artist known for his striking prowess and aggressive fighting style. He has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and has achieved success in the lightweight division. Gaethje is recognized for his powerful leg kicks, striking accuracy, and ability to engage in exciting, action-packed fights. He has faced top-tier opponents in the octagon and has been a contender for the UFC lightweight championship. Gaethje’s fighting style and determination have made him a fan favorite in the world of MMA. (AFP)
