Justin Gaethje has found himself in a pretty precarious position as of late in the lightweight division. He intends to fight for the title and is adamant about it, while Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira are gearing up to fight for the vacant 155 lbs title. Chael Sonnen recently spoke about Gaethje and his next possible opponent as he also weighed in on an option that ‘The Highlight’ might have.
The analyst in Chael Sonnen does not believe that Justin Gaethje is willing to fight any contenders next. According to the UFC Hall of Famer, the former BMF champion is looking to get himself straight into a title fight, believing that he’s “the number one contender.” And guess what? Sonnen agrees that he should be getting that title shot because he’s taken a considerable amount of risk recently, with the rematch against Rafael Fiziev being one of them.
“Gaethje believes, with the mandate of the masses, that he just has, not to mention the risk that he took over Fiziev, and that is true. When you take a risk like—you’re a big star and you take on a guy that dangerous, that’s lesser known, you get a reward for it,” ‘The American Gangster’ told The Schmo. “And even though Gaethje’s one and one in his last two… he believes he’s the number one contender. Gaethje believes, ‘I don’t have to do anything. I can sit here and wait.’”
Now, waiting for his wish to fight for a title to get fulfilled could be a gamble, but Chael Sonnen believes that Justin Gaethje truly deserves to be put in the No.1 contender’s spot. The reason he shared is the fact that, much like Islam Makhachev, ‘The Highlight’ has also never asked for anything. He fought as he was required to, so now, Gaethje has a chance to use that option and make his demand to the UFC.
“Gaethje, at some point in his career, has the right to tell the decision makers, ‘We’re gonna do it my way.’ He’s never pulled that card yet. I’ve got to give Islam Makhachev that same defense. Islam wants to go up to 170,” Chael Sonnen added. “Islam has never asked us, the community, for anything except for a chance to go to 170. Like, I feel, as a community, we have to get behind him when it’s the only thing he’s ever asked for. Justin Gaethje is in a very similar spot if he actually makes that actual request.”
MMA: UFC Fight Night Phoenix-Poirier vs Gaethje, Apr 14, 2018 Glendale, AZ, USA Justin Gaethje during UFC Fight Night at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports , 14.04.2018 20:25:35, 14299876, Justin Gaethje, UFC Fight Night, Gila River Arena, MMA, Gaethje PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxJ.xRebilasx 14299876
Well, it’s all up to Dana White, and he may not give Justin Gaethje a title shot anytime soon because a young up-and-comer is looking to make his mark against him. That young star is none other than Paddy Pimblett, who wants a piece of the ex-BMF champion. Here’s what he had to say.
Paddy Pimblett is gunning for a fight against Justin Gaethje
Paddy Pimblett is on top of the world after his dominating win over Michael Chandler at UFC 314. During a recent interview, he revealed what his plans are, citing a possible return to action in Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, ‘The Baddy’ revealed the two possible routes he could take, but the one that he believes could come to fruition is a fight against Justin Gaethje.
“I’m hoping to fight in Abu Dhabi in October. I think that’s when I’m going to be back in the cage,” Paddy Pimblett told BBC Sport. “I was thinking Ilia might call me out if he wins [against Oliveira]. I’d love to beat him if he gets the belt. I’d love to fight him anyway, but he’s booked, so I think it’s more than likely Justin Gaethje.”
Meanwhile, Paddy Pimblett also weighed in on Arman Tsarukyan and dismissed that matchup. So, he thinks the only fight that can happen is the one against Justin Gaethje, who’ll also be his first top-five opponent. But what do you think? Should Gaethje demand a title shot like Islam Makhachev did? Drop your comments below.
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