Justin Gaethje Addresses Staph Infection Speculation Ahead of UFC 324

Justin Gaethje has won three of his last four UFC appearances. | Getty/UFC

With the proliferation of social media, the MMA community has become more adept at scrutinizing even the smallest details ahead of big fights.

The latest example involves a screenshot of Justin Gaethje taken from a recent video blog where the UFC lightweight contender appears to have sores on his neck and lip. That image has led to rampant speculation that Gaethje might have developed a staph infection ahead of his interim lightweight title clash against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324.

Gaethje quickly took to social media to shut down the rumor mill, claiming that the images depicted something entirely different.

“Did you screen shot me eating brisket from my YouTube video to make it look like I have herpes on my lip? My neck is healing an ingrown hair,” Gaethje wrote on social media.

A two-time lightweight title challenger and former BMF champion, Gaethje has been victorious in three of his last four Octagon appearances. His matchup with Pimblett will serve as the headliner for UFC 324, which takes place on Jan. 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on Paramount+ beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com

Help support MMACrazies.com when you shop Amazon by starting your online Amazon shopping at MMACrazies.com/recommends/amazon. You are not charged extra, but we receive a small and very helpful commission on everything you purchase. Thanks for thinking of us every time you shop at Amazon.