Former BMF title holder Justin Gaethje is already thinking about how he will prepare for Islam Makhachev only a few hours after UFC 313.
Justin Gaethje silent his opponents after a long fighting for fighting to open Rafael Fiziev in the Co-Main event of UFC 313. A rematch of their UFC 286 collision seemed strange to UFC 313, while Gaethje bounced back from a slow start to promote his third consecutive defeat.
Gaethje entered UFC 313 with lots of pressure that came from a brutal knockout loss for Max Holloway in April. But despite questions about his sustainability and skills prior to UFC 313, Gaethje fans and experts reminded him that he remains one of the pound-for-pound best.
After beating Fiziev by a unanimous decision, Gaethje is immediately back in the lightweight title mix and can be the next for UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Gaethje concluded a potential trilogy with fellow fan favorite, Dustin Poirier, during the UFC 313 Post-Fight Press Conference.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Justin Gaethje accepts that Islam Makhachev is a long mountain to climb after UFC 313
The title ambitions of Gaethje seemed eradicated after UFC 300. But a full year after the buzzing knock-out loss, Gaethje hopes that the third time is the charm if he gets the next lightweight title shot.
During the UFC 313 Post-Fight Press Conference Gaethje spoke to what could be the next after his Rematch victory on Fiziev.
“Of course I want to fight for the belt, it's a much different matchup than I just had,” said Gaethje. “They tried to give me a donut, I took on a bit, but I have to run again when I fight against Makhachev.
“I have to get my Jiu-Jitsu coach here, it's really just trust. He is a heavy matchup for everyone, he is so good, so strong. I will have a perfect night if I want to beat it. '
Gaethje then hit back to those who question his business for the next title about top candidates such as Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan.
“Quarrel with yourself,” said Gaethje.
Makhachev was supposed to be confronted against Tsarukyan on UFC 311 before Tsarukyan himself during hours of cancellation due to injury. He went in a few minutes in the UFC 311 headliner Renato Moicano to successfully defend his belt for the fourth time.
Dana White Underdeaf Justin Gaethje Title Case Na UFC 313
Fortunately for Gaethje, UFC Headman Dana White appears to be on board with the double Challenger title who still gets a crack on the belt. Gaethje suffered from Khabib Nurmagomedov and Oliveira earlier in his career.
Another potential option for Gaethje is UFC Vederweight Champion Ilia Topuria, who will leave his belt for a full -time move to lightweight. It is uncertain whether Topuria will receive the following recording at Makhachev, and depending on the return time line of Makhachosev, a collision with Gaethje can be useful.
Anyway, Gaethje's return to the Octagon after his devastating loss on UFC 300 points to a possible revival in his career. In the coming weeks we were able to learn more about whether or not he will get a lightweight title shot.
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