D. Gaethje (photo) poses with the US flag. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @justin_gaethje
In 2019, Justin gaethje managed to establish himself as one of the most dangerous challengers in the lightweight category (up to 70,3kg). After convincing victories over Edson Barboza e Donald Cerrone, the North American now wants to get closer to the fight for the belt, which belongs to Khabib Nurmagomedov. To do this, the athlete insists on asking for a duel against Conor McGregor, whom he considers a 'passport' to the top. In an interview with the podcast Michael Bisping, 'Belive You Me', the athlete explained his reasons for wanting to face the Irishman.
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“I'm number four (in the rankings). I just beat fourth place, which put me in that position. Conor is number three. When I had my last fight, I was under the impression that he was retired, because that's what it seemed like. Then he said he would come back. I think the easiest and safest way to get to Khabib is through Conor,” said Justin.
The desire to face the 'Notório' increased when the former featherweight (up to 65,7kg) and lightweight (up to 70,3kg) champion stated, in a recent press conference, that he would return to the octagon on January 18th, against a opponent not yet revealed. This fact encouraged the North American, who once again insisted on a duel against the Irishman.
McGregor's plans, however, appear to be different. According to the athlete's team, there is an ongoing negotiation for Conor to fight against Donald Cerrone on the stipulated date, which goes against Gaethje's wishes, as the 'Cowboy' was severely beaten by the fighter recently.
“He started saying he's going to fight on January 18th and then he starts calling Donald Cerrone. So this is where we are now. As far as I've heard, nothing has been signed. 'Cowboy' is texting Dana (White) asking if it's true. I’m just sitting here training,” said the American.
After beating Cerrone, Gaethje showed humility by stating that he didn't know if he could beat Nurmagomedov. However, he said he wouldn't want his career to end without at least trying to beat the Russian, who, with each fight, has established himself as a legend of the sport, remaining undefeated since he debuted as a professional in MMA, 28 appearances ago. .
“Khabib has publicly stated that he doesn't have many fights (to retire), so I have to fight him before he leaves. I can't let him go undefeated without at least being able to test him. I consider myself one of the most dangerous lightweights in the world. I bring different things that Khabib didn't necessarily have to deal with. I have absurd power in my legs, arms and hands and I'm very good at grappling. Super athletic, I've been fighting as much as him. No one fought as hard as him, except me,” Justin said.
At 31 years old, Gaethje has already performed 23 times as a professional fighter. The fighter won on 21 occasions and was defeated on two. His last setback came in April last year, when he was beaten by the former interim champion, Dustin poirier, in the main fight of UFC Glendale.
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