- Daniel Cormier is positive Justin Gaethje could still become a strong candidate for title contention if he gets a win in his return
- DC thinks it was a smart move for “The Highlight” to take a long rest before coming back
Daniel Cormier still sees Justin Gaethje getting a crack at the lightweight title if he could secure one huge win.
Justin is still in the mix
Speaking to his Good Guy / Bad Guy show on ESPN, DC likened “The Highlight” to the situation of Dustin Poirier, who has always been “one great win” away from a title shot. For Cormier, Gaethje’s knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 was big but “The Highlight” has been an elite fighter in the division like Poirier and it’s no surprise if he gets another title shot after one win.
“I believe that Justin Gaethje is in the same situation. Justin Gaethje is one win away from ultimately standing across the Octagon from the champion because he’s that popular, he’s been that important, and all of the things that he’s accomplished since he got to the UFC,” Cormier said.
Justin was right to take a long rest
Cormier also pointed out that Gaethje made a right decision to rest longer and not rush back to competing.
“The one thing that stood out to me that I love as a buddy of Justin’s is he said he’s taking time,” Cormier said. “Most people will want to get right back in there but Justin is going to take time. It’s complete opposite, different level of knockout. Justin Gaethje got knocked out completely, Jamal Hill got knocked down. Jamal Hill’s already got a fight schedule, Justin Garthje said I’m taking at least six months.”
Gaethje’s knockout loss to Holloway is widely considered as one of the greatest, if not the greatest KO of all time. Despite that, “The Highlight” remains positive and is looking forward to bouncing back stronger after six months.
As it stands, reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will defend his title against Poirier at UFC 302.
Watch DC’s full show below:
