BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje is more than ready to “f*ck around and find out” just how good Islam Makhachev really is.
UFC 294 saw the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ retain his lightweight world title in spectacular fashion, scoring a vicious first-round head kick KO against short-notice replacement opponent Alexander Volkanovski in Abu Dhabi. With Makhachev’s quick finish, fight fans hope to see him back inside the Octagon sooner rather than later. As for who he could face, that is yet to be determined.
Fans automatically assumed that Justin Gaethje would be the next man up after scoring his own head-kick KO against Dustin Poirier in July. However, according to Dana White, Charles Oliveira may still be at the front of the line despite backing out of UFC 294 two weeks before fight night due to an injury sustained while training.
Speaking with TMZ Sports, Gaethje was admittedly impressed with Makhachev’s performance at UFC 294 and suggested that he should be the next to challenge for the lightweight title, not Oliveira.
“It was impressive with the head kick. I think he’s trying to copy me,” Gaethje said. “Obviously, he’s copying the way I won my last fight [against Dustin Poirier]. He’s obviously watching me and I’m on his radar so I’m excited to fight this dude. I did what I had to do I fought [Rafale] Fiziev. I knocked out Poirier.
“Oliveira had his chance. He backed out. He already got his a** whooped. I’m not sure how Makhachev can do any better than that. I’m sure the fans want to see new blood and that’s me.”
ISLAM MAKHACHEV JUST KNOCKED OUT ALEX VOLKANOVSKI 😱😱 #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/g4bsINLcKM
— UFC (@ufc) October 21, 2023
‘The Highlight’ did confirm that no conversations have taken place between himself and the promotion regarding the lightweight championship, but Gaethje remains confident that he’ll book a date with the Dagestani for early 2024.
“I haven’t had any conversations yet, but I’m out here doing interviews saying I’m next. I’m expecting to fight him in February or March of next year so that’s what I’m getting ready for. Like I said, Oliveira had his chance. Had his second chance and backed out. I imagine they want to cash in.
“I want to cash in on my career and I imagine they want to cash in on what we both created together. I’m here, I’m ready to fight and I see myself fighting him early next year.”
Justin Gaethje Compares Islam Makhachev to Khabib Nurmagomedov
Gaethje’s first opportunity at the 155-pound crown came against Islam Makhachev’s mentor and UFC Hall of Famer, Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘The Eagle’ earned a second-round submission against Gaethje in October 2020 before laying down his title and walking away from the sport after amassing an undefeated record of 29-0.
Asked if he believes Makhachev is better than, Nurmagomedov, ‘The Highlight’ said:
“I think they have very different styles when they fight. I think Khabib is really almost unmatched. Anybody who can pull that off [going 29-0] is pretty much impossible. He’s just such a tank moving forward. Makhachev doesn’t necessarily have that structure, but again, he has some really refined skills when it comes to his striking, and obviously, his grappling skills are top-notch.
“I don’t think he’s better than Khabib, but before this, I said he’s not Khabib and not he’s out here finishing and knocking people out so now I guess I gotta say I want to f*ck around and find out.”
Watch the full interview below:
