Outside Source
Justin Gaethje is hoping the UFC calls his name to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title — and is ready even if the fight would be two months away.
Makhachev’s next move remains a mystery, especially since featherweight champ Ilia Topuria is set to vacate his title this Saturday when the UFC 314 main event between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes begins for a run at lightweight. Another possibility is Makhachev moving up to 170 to challenge for a second belt, especially if Jack Della Maddalena becomes welterweight champ at UFC 315 next month.
One thing is for certain: If Makhachev fights at UFC 317 — the promotion’s International Fight Week pay-per-view card — and puts the lightweight title on the line, Gaethje’s hand is raised as high as can be.
“I’m ready to fight, I’m ready to fight in June,” Gaethje told The Schmo. “I don’t know, I think Makhachev said he wants to fight in June. I’m hoping I get that call sooner rather than later so I can… I’m obviously working, but it’s been a crazy ride. I’m not at the beginning of the journey. It’s towards the end.
“I’m 4-1 in my last five fights, only losing to Max Holloway. We’ve got [Charles] Oliveira, who already lost [to Makhachev]. [Arman] Tsarukyan really f*cked it up. I don’t think they’ll give it to him, and then Topuria. I can see them giving it to Topuria, so we’ll see what they do.”
Gaethje recently earned a decision win against Rafael Fiziev in a short notice rematch at UFC 313 a month ago. “The Highlight” bounced back from a highlight-reel knockout loss to Holloway at UFC 300 11 months prior, but with the wild state of the 155-pound division, Gaethje finds himself in the title discussion once again.
Should Makhachev remain at 155, and not vacate for a move to welterweight, Gaethje feels he has a strong case — along with two others — to get the next shot.
“One of those three names has to fight for the belt: Me, Oliveira, or Topuria,” Gaethje said. “So I’m hoping they call my name, pull my number, pull my card. Outside of that, I haven’t even thought about it.”
This article first appeared at MMA Fighting – All Posts
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