Justin Gaethje bounced back into the win column last week with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev. In his post-fight interview, ‘The Highlight’ admitted he wasn’t sure who his next opponent would be but shut down any speculation of a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier. However, just days after his win, Gaethje took to X with a clear message about his future. Calling for a title shot, he wrote: “I’ve won 3 of my last 4, with my only loss coming in an exhibition fight. I deserve a shot at the belt. @danawhite, I’m ready.” With momentum on his side, will the UFC grant Gaethje his wish? Maybe not, as Chael Sonnen has come forward to bet against ‘The Highlight.’
While conversing with his audience on Instagram, Chael Sonnen highlighted that Jon Anik, in his recent remarks, had doubled down on his thoughts about a potential clash between Justin Gaethje and Islam Makhachev. ‘The American Gangster,’ with a confused expression, said, “When Anik says something, I can’t help but wonder— is he speaking from overhearing something?”
He further added, ” Justin Gaethje is 1-1 in his last two. Before you think that’s the worst record to get a title shot, Volkanovski is 1-3 in his last four fights, and he’s fighting for the belt. 155 pounds is very confusing right now. Ilia Topuria’s gotta be in that mix somewhere. Ultimately, whoever gets the nod— if their name is not Ilia Topuria, an undefeated reigning world champion— if he is not the one that absolutely should fight Islam, maybe we gotta listen to what Anik says.”
Justin Gaethje has fought for the UFC lightweight title twice in his career. His first opportunity came against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in 2020, where he suffered a submission defeat as ‘The Eagle’ retired from MMA. Gaethje’s second title shot was at UFC 274 against Charles Oliveira. Although he was defeated, Oliveira failed to claim the championship as he missed weight by half a pound. It has been three years since then and Gaethje has not had another shot at the belt yet. So is it finally time for Gaethje to fight for the title? Jon Anik believes it so but Sonnen has his doubts.
As he concludes his statement, Chael Sonnen added, “Justin Gaethje lost last to Max Holloway, but he is now a 155-pounder. Tell me why Justin Gaethje should fight Islam and why he should be given the opportunity over Max?” A compelling argument from Chael Sonnen. Despite Gaethje sitting at #3, there are other top stars who can make a case for a title bout. Charles Oliveira is sitting on a win and can call for a shot. So, can Arman Tsarukyan, who beat Oliveria – who beat Gaethje in 2022. However, it appears that team Khabib is more interested in clashing with Gaethje rather than anyone else.
Team Khabib opens to Justin Gaethje vs. Islam Makhachev in future
At the UFC 313 post-fight press conference, Dana White in a statement asserted that Justin Gaethje could face Islam Makhachev in the future, “He’s still the No. 3-ranked guy in the world, so the odds of him getting a title shot are pretty good.” As White’s statement reached the Team Khabib doors, their head coach, Javier Mendez expressed his willingness for the fight.
While having a conversation with ‘Submission Radio,’ Javier Mendez added, “Fantastic. Then it’s Justin Gaethje. We’ll focus on Justin Gaethje. That would be, ideally for us, the perfect matchup based on where his standing is and what he’s done. He’s a big, known guy and Islam hasn’t fought him, So he’s perfect.”
He further added that the champion will fight whoever the UFC throws at him, “It’s not important to me. Let’s focus on whoever the UFC decides because I’m not even going to talk about something that’s not even there. What is there, is what Dana (White) talked about. So me, I’d rather focus on what Dana said.”
The lightweight division is currently stacked with contenders. Along with Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and Ilia Topuria, several fighters are waiting for their chance. However, at the end of the day, the UFC head honcho will have to decide on the perfect fight. Who will he pick?
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