Justin Gaethje minimizes the value of the interim belt: 'If I win, I won't be the best'

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

Fourth in the lightweight rankings (up to 70,3kg.), Justin gaethje He is close to realizing the most important challenge of his career to date. However, anyone who thinks that the fight against Tony Ferguson, probably on May 9, for the interim title of the category, is the highlight of the North American's career. In an interview with 'ESPN', the athlete said that his next commitment is just a step towards his true desire: facing the linear champion.

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“When they put the belt around my waist, that won’t be the final destination. It will be a map to the top. That's what I'm looking for. It will be great to have a belt, but for me, it's not the same. It doesn’t mean I’m a UFC world champion,” Justin said.

Gaethje's speech is surrounded by simple logic. It is not new that the combatant talks about his desire to test himself against Khabib Nurmagomedov, the owner of the linear lightweight title. According to the athlete, the Russian is the opponent to beat in the division, not Ferguson.

“When I beat Tony, I'll face Khabib next. That's why I'm here, to be the best in the world. When I face him, I'm going to try and kill myself, because I won't respect him if he doesn't do the same,” he said.

Tony and Justin were supposed to face each other on April 18th, at least UFC 249However, the card ended up being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ultimate does not confirm the new date, but information is circulating behind the scenes at MMA that the fighters will star in a show on May 9, with no confirmed location. Most likely, Florida will host the show.

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