D. Gaethje (photo) criticizes C. McGregor's inactivity. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @justin_gaethje
The lightweight division (up to 70,3kg) has increasingly become one of the most competitive categories in the UFC. In a good phase, Justin gaethje, in a recent interview with 'ESPN' he revealed his desire to stay active and criticized the fact that Conor took so long to make his return to the octagons. Irishman hasn't fought since defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov for the belt, in October 2018, and serve a suspension, which ended in April.
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"Looking ahead, conor mcgregor is number three in the ranking. If I don't face him, there is no combat for me. This, then, is the fight I want. If he's not going to fight, take him out of the rankings. I don't care about that either. Let’s move on,” said the American.
Justin's explanation makes sense when you imagine that all possible top-ranked opponents have fights scheduled. The current linear champion of the category faces Dustin poirier (interim champion) in a duel that will possibly take place in September, in UFC 242; Tony Ferguson, second in the division, will fight against the fourth, Donald Cerrone, in June, at UFC 238. In fifth place, Gaethje would finally have the opportunity to face Conor McGregor.
“I'm fifth in the rankings. There are four guys and the champion in front of me. I'm after these guys. I want a big fight this summer (July to September). I don't want to face athletes who are behind me in the rankings. I come from two consecutive knockout victories. I think I deserve this”, reported the athlete.
The company's president, Dana White, has already revealed in an interview that he believes he will see the Irishman back in the Octagon this summer as well. However, Justin's name was not even mentioned by the agent as a possible rival. The only name presented at the time was 'Cowboy'.
Gaethje last acted in March of this year, when he surprised and defeated Brazilian Edson Barbosa in the main fight of the UFC Philadelphia, in March this year. Since then, the 30-year-old North American has been looking for an opportunity to increasingly establish himself among the top 5 in the division.
If the duel against the Irishman does not happen and Justin really decides not to face opponents less ranked than him, the North American will have to wait for the results of the fights that will take place in June and September (under negotiation). If he has to wait, the athlete will be able to return to the octagons after the date stipulated in his plans.
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