Gaethje wouldn't trade a title challenge for a showdown with McGregor: 'I'm not that fighter'

J. Gaethje at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC

Since emerging as one of the biggest names in MMA today, Conor McGregor remains a dream come true for most UFC fighters. Justin gaethje, however, doesn't think that way. Even though he knows that a confrontation against the Irishman could guarantee his financial independence, the athlete continues with his plan to build a solid history as a big name in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg.) of Ultimate.

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“I could face him (Conor) now if I wanted. Everyone will say I'm lying, that I would accept a fight against him. Daniel Cormier another guy said that, but I'm not that fighter”, said the American in an interview with the 'Joe Rogan Experience' podcast.

On the rise in the UFC since he shocked the world and beat the dangerous Tony Ferguson in the main fight of UFC 249, in a valid fight for the interim lightweight title, Gaethje explained that, from this point on, his career is structured in such a way that his next triumphs will place him once and for all as an athlete who has made history within the company. According to the plans, Conor would be the final point of his trajectory.

“I have the opportunity to do something unprecedented in the history of sport. Going there, in unfavorable circumstances, beating Tony like I did, beating Khabib (Nurmagomedov) and beating Conor. It would be historic,” he said.

Justin then tried to explain that he is not rejecting or ignoring the amount of money he could receive in a possible confrontation against the Irishman. The fighter said that, according to his next steps, the profit could be even greater when he finally confirms the duel with the 'Notório'.

“As far as business goes, the smartest move would be to take on Conor now because obviously it’s a lot of money. But I'll make more money when I beat Khabib and then face Conor. If he's not there, I'll face (Dustin) Poirier. McGregor is not on my list. Khabib and Poirier, yes. If I fight both of them and receive well, then everything is fine,” he concluded.