Justin Gaethje is close to booking his return to the Octagon, almost a full year removed from his BMF knockout loss to Max Holloway.
Former interim UFC lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje has not competed since losing the coveted BMF title to Max Holloway at UFC 300. One second shy of a likely decision loss to Holloway, Gaethje was knocked out in one of the most notable knockouts outs of all time.
Gaethje took a rare, extended break from training and fighting after UFC 300. As the new year kicks off, he is targeting a return at UFC 313, tentatively scheduled for T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Although Gaethje has yet to book a fight, at the time of writing he believes he is on a collision course with another fan favorite.
Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images
Justin Gaethje eyes UFC fan favorite for UFC 313 fight
During a recent upload to his YouTube channel, Gaethje revealed an intriguing name for his goal-oriented UFC comeback.
“So there's no official fight signed, but I told the UFC maybe two or three months ago that March was the date I was looking for,” Gaethje said. “I know there's a fight in Las Vegas on March 8, so I told them I wanted to be there. I think they're picking fights right now, but I'm definitely preparing mentally, preparing physically to fight on that date.
“I think it will be Dan Hooker, but in the UFC things can always change. But that's what I'm preparing for mentally and physically for that fight on March 8. So back to work. You feel good, ready to go.” (h/t MMA Fights)
Gaethje has also been mentioned as a potential opponent for Dustin Poirier's expected retirement fight later this year. He knocked out Poirier with a head kick at UFC 291 for the then-vacant BMF belt.
Dan Hooker hasn't been in the cage since he was a Fight of the Year candidate against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305. After earning the split decision victory at UFC 305, Hooker rose to the Lightweight Top 5 and is on the brink of a potential victory. title shot.
Justin Gaethje took a long break after a brutal loss to Max Holloway
Hooker has won three straight fights since a featherweight knockout loss to Arnold Allen in March 2022. He has defeated Jalin Turner, Claudio Puelles and Gamrot during his current winning streak.
A matchup between Gaethje and Hooker would make a lot of sense in the UFC lightweight division title picture. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev faces Arman Tsarukyan this weekend at UFC 311, and the Gaethje/Hooker winner could be next in line for a title shot.
The coming weeks could bring some clarity on Gaethje's expected comeback fight and whether or not Hooker will be his next opponent. Either way, fight fans should be happy to hear that one of the biggest UFC fan favorites is nearing a return.
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