Justin Gaethje believes it’s time for a fresh matchup at the top of the lightweight division.
UFC 294 saw Islam Makhachev deliver another stellar performance, finishing featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski via a jaw-dropping first-round head kick KO in Abu Dhabi. With back-to-back losses against the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ in 2023, Volkanovski will head back to 145 while Makhachev turns his attention back toward the loaded lightweight top ten.
Islam Makhachev KO on Volkanovski https://t.co/5GK8PrssRn
— MMAValour (@MmaValour) October 22, 2023
The man many believe is next in line for a shot at the 155-pound crown, Justin Gaethje, shared his thoughts on Islam Makhachev’s dominant performance at UFC 294 while backstage at Etihad Arena on Saturday.
“He’s on a 13-fight win streak,” Gaethje told Megan Olivi. “He’s been absolutely dominant outside of the first Volkanovski fight, but again, that’s a tough matchup for somebody that’s coming in grappling heavy. I think attacking this is a striking heavy fight seemed… The guy’s a bowling fall. It’s hard to hold a bowling ball down. It is what it is. That was impressive.”
Justin Gaethje Says It’s Time for Something Fresh at 155
Asked whether or not he should be the next fighter to step inside the Octagon with Islam Makhachev, ‘The Highlight’ believes fans are ready for a fresh matchup in the lightweight division and that’s exactly what he represents.
“I’m No. 2. I knocked out Poirier,” Gaethje added. “I mean, Charles Oliveira is ahead of me, but he already lost to Makhachev. I have not fought Makhachev. It’s a fresh matchup, a new matchup, and I think that’s what the fans are looking for.
“I think (Makhachev) would have dominated Oliveira just the same. Oliveira beat me, MMA math doesn’t work. I’ve said (Makhachev is) not Khabib (Nurmagomedov), but I think he might be (as good). So I just want to go out there and figure it out.”
Going on his 13th year as a professional mixed martial artist and already coming up short on two separate occasions to capture the lightweight title, Gaethje recognizes that his window of opportunity is closing quickly. Still, the high-octane fan favorite knows that he has earned his spot and is nonetheless ready to pour everything he has into taking home UFC gold in 2024 before ultimately hanging up his gloves for good.
“I’ve been doing this sh*t for a long time, but I’ve earned my spot,” Gaethje said. “I knocked out Dustin Poirier and is Islam Makhachev beatable? I don’t know, but I’m going to give everything, as I always have.”
Watch the full interview below:
