Justin Gaethje attacks Charles and Chandler and claims the lightweight division has become the 'laughing joke of the UFC'

J, Gaethje in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc

With a scheduled fight against Michael chandler No. UFC 268, Justin gaethje is not a fan of the direction the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) took after the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020. In an interview with North American ESPN, the former interim champion of the division said that Ultimate's big mistake was marrying the duel between Charles of the Bronx e Michael chandler for the vacant title.

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“I was pissed at the time. I think this was the most coveted title in the entire UFC when Khabib was here, and overnight it practically became the laughingstock of the UFC. When you have Charles Oliveira and Michael chandler facing each other for the title, to be the best, these guys are not the best. It was me and Poirier. This is what should have happened”, lamented Gaethje.

The lightweight belt became available after the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov, announced by the Russian precisely after finishing Justin gaethje in the main fight of UFC 254, in October 2020. Dustin poirier was the first option to face Charles of the Bronx for the interim belt, but chose to follow another path and complete the trilogy against Conor McGregor.

In the fight for the vacant belt, in May this year, Charles of the Bronx derrotou Michael chandler by technical knockout in the second round. The Brazilian's first title defense has not yet been confirmed, but it should be against Dustin poirier, whereas, Justin gaethje faces Michael chandler No. UFC 268, on November 6th, in New York.