Fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 will make Justin Gaethje guarantee his mother's retirement

J. Gaethje's (center) success in MMA doesn't make him forget his parents. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

It's no secret that parents usually support their children's development in life and, when they grow up and achieve success, nothing more fair than returning the favor. Justin gaethje think this way. The North American will fight for the lightweight belt (70,3kg) against Khabib Nurmagomedov, UFC 254, which takes place this Saturday (24) and has never hidden its family side. So much so that he took his parents to see him in action in Abu Dhabi and this was the first time they had made an international trip.

At the pre-event press conference, Gaethje recalled his youth in Arizona, the efforts his parents made to raise him and revealed that all the money he will receive for being in the main event and fighting for the belt will be used to make his mother stop to work. Recently, the fighter's father retired, after working for 37 years as a copper miner.

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“I never thought a kid from Safford, Arizona would have this opportunity, especially on the other side of the world in Abu Dhabi. What a beautiful place! I've never been to a place like this before. This is important to me, my family, and the small town of Safford, Arizona. I'm so proud. When this fight starts, I will guarantee my mother's retirement. All the money they had went to me, my brother and my sister. They suffered financially for us. Nothing is better than being able to give that back,” Gaethje said.

Despite having the support of his family, 'The Highlight' assured that, when it comes to the fight, he will only think about Trevor Wittman, his trainer. If the title challenger will have 100% of the home factor, Khabib will fight for the first time after the death of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. However, Gaethje does not believe that the drama he experienced will hinder him, but rather strengthen him.

“My parents are here, but when I'm in the Octagon, nothing matters. They won't be there. My coach, Trevor Wittman, will be there. That's the only voice I can hear, but I'm so glad my parents have that experience. After what happened, it will be very difficult to beat Khabib. His father's passing will make him even stronger and will be a motivating factor. We fighters are like that,” he concluded.

At 31, Justin gaethje reached the position of lightweight challenger by winning four consecutive victories. His performances were so impressive that the American won the performance bonus in all of them, for having knocked out James Vick, Edson Barboza, Donald Cerrone e Tony Ferguson. In the latter, Gaethje also won the best fight bonus.