Justin Gaethje has earned some respect from Michael Bisping.
The newly-crowned ‘BMF’ Champion popped back up in the lightweight title picture with a stunning headkick knockout of Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. Following the KO-of-the-year contender, Gaethje called for a title shot against the winner of Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2, which takes place at UFC 294 in October.
‘Justin Shot It Down Big Time’
While Gaethje eyes a title fight next, there is another potential fight for ‘The Highlight’, that being a super-fight with Conor McGregor. Surprisingly, Gaethje doesn’t seem intrigued anymore by fighting the biggest star the UFC has ever seen.
“He got asked about Conor McGregor. Conor McGregor was tweeting him and talking shit like he always does, he does a good job of keeping himself very relevant even though he hasn’t fought in quite some time. Justin shot it down big time and I agree with him,” Bisping said on his podcast.
“I think he said that ‘Conor’s turned me down six times’. Now it feels nice to be the one doing the turning down.”
Why does Gaethje not to collide against Conor McGregor? He explained that he’s not a fan of fighting someone who’s allegedly on steroids.
Bisping On Gaethje’s Decision To Decline Call-Out
Gaethje’s response to Conor McGregor could be looked at like reverse-psychology or perhaps a negotiation tactic. But, Bisping buys it, believing it’s no trick at all.
‘The Count’ thinks it’s a good idea for Gaethje to chase UFC gold rather than a ‘red panty night’ right now with McGregor, which could come eventually.
“No, I don’t [think it’s a negotiation tactic]. I think that’s legitimate,” Bisping said of Gaethje’s reply to McGregor. “I think, cause he spoke about it last year or earlier this year, he wants to be the champ and he wants to defend the belt a few times and then retire. Getting sidetracked with a fight with Conor McGregor, that allows the title conversation to continue elsewhere.
“If he wins or beats his Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira, regardless who the champion is after Abu Dhabi happens, then he’ll get those big paydays anyway. He might be able to fight Conor McGregor as champion or whoever it is, which would be pretty nice. Red panty nights everywhere. But, you wanna focus on the legacy and then let the money follow afterwards, if possible. So, yeah, I agree with him.
“[Gaethje] cemented himself as the number one contender, without a shadow of a doubt.”
Did Justin Gaethje make the right choice by denying Conor McGregor’s call-out?
