UFC 315 didn’t just rob the fans of a highly anticipated Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria clash. It robbed Justin Gaethje of what may have been his final shot at UFC lightweight gold. ‘The Highlight’ beat Rafael Fiziev via unanimous decision in their UFC 313 rematch to solidify his claim on lightweight gold held by Islam Makhachev. However, as the Russian is now moving up to challenge welterweight kingpin Jack Della Maddalena, Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria will be fighting for the vacant lightweight belt at UFC 317. And the promotion has seemingly hung Gaethje out to dry. How is that fair?
Fiziev was the no. 11 ranked lightweight when he fought Gaethje and some fans expected the latter to take on a higher-ranked opponent like Dan Hooker or Paddy Pimblett to make an undeniable case for a title shot. Having said that, Oliveira is getting a title shot based on his win over a no. 7 ranked Michael Chandler, who was returning to action after two years, as the fight with Conor McGregor never materialized.
UFC commentator Jon Anik recently revealed in an episode of The Anik & Florian Podcast that Gaethje wasn’t pleased with the UFC passing him over. Now that Topuria vs. Oliveira is official, he expects Dana White to guarantee him the winner of UFC 317’s main event next.
Anik didn’t mince his words while expressing Gaethje’s disappointment and demands from the UFC, “He was pi–ed, right? He feels like, certainly, he was passed over in favor of Charles Oliveira for this opportunity against Ilia Topuria. And I think what Justin Gaethje and his manager Ali Abdelaziz, Kenny, are looking for is just some sort of guarantee that they will be next.”
Like tons of fans, Anik is in favor of the UFC returning its dues to Gaethje. “The Highlight” has not only been one of the most exciting fighters in the promotion’s history but also sacrificed his title shot by fighting Max Holloway at UFC 300. He had defeated Fiziev and Dustin Poirier in back-to-back fights, but the KO loss to Holloway crushed his title aspirations at the time.
Anik summarized the abovementioned timeline as well: “I don’t think it’s a crazy request for Justin. Having done what he did. Against Rafael Fiziev, staying on the fight card, not fighting Dan Hooker, getting a win, distance from the UFC 300 result, right? And by the way, he fought at UFC 300 to help the UFC when he could have fought for the undisputed championship at that point in time. So yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if Gaethje gets some sort of guarantee he’s next for the Topuria-Oliveira winner. But I can just tell you that, yeah, Justin was not thrilled.”
MMA: UFC 286 – Gaethje vs Fiziev Mar 18, 2023 London, UNITED KINGDOM Justin Gaethje red gloves fights Rafael Fiziev blue gloves during UFC 286 at O2 Arena. London O2 Arena UNITED KINGDOM, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xPerxHaljestamx 20230318_kab_bk4_219
What’s worse for Gaethje is that Makhachev’s camp was open to fighting him. Why? Because he’s a fresh matchup, which Islam was desperately chasing, as opposed to an Arman Tsarukyan or Charles Oliveira rematch. So what is the Arizona native left with?
Best potential fights for Justin Gaethje, apart from Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira winner
Looking at the current UFC lightweight rankings, it makes all the sense in the world to give the no. 3 ranked Gaethje a shot at the new champion. However, Oliveira has already defeated him once, and for the Brazilian, a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan or Topuria himself might be a bigger purse. Do note that Tsarukyan’s title shot despite beating “Do Bronxs” is on hold as he pulled out of his rematch with Makhachev, jeopardizing the UFC 311 main event.
If Topuria wins, the UFC might want to put him against Pimblett because of their long-running feud. After a controversial decision win over Jared Gordon, “The Baddy” has proved his worth as a top lightweight prospect by dominating Tony Ferguson, King Green, and Michael Chandler. One cannot ignore Dan Hooker, too, as he’s now riding a three-fight win streak with the latest split decision win over Mateusz Gamrot being the most notable one.
A lot of fans have suggested a title eliminator between Gaethje and one of Pimblett or Hooker. However, the former interim UFC lightweight champ is already 37 and he wouldn’t want to repeat his mistakes and risk a confirmed title shot by fighting another up-and-coming prospect.
MMA: UFC 300 – Gaethje vs Holloway Apr 13, 2024 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Max Holloway blue gloves fights Justin Gaethje red gloves during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena Nevada USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxJ.xRebilasx 20240413_mcd_su5_168
The only new matchups for Gaethje at the top of the lightweight pile are Topuria, Makhachev (if he decides to come down again which is unlikely), Tsarukyan (a risky fight due to the opponent’s wrestling prowess), and Hooker. He has more to lose than gain in all the non-title fight options stated, and considering this is his final run to the title, he might just wait it out until the UFC gives him a title shot.
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