J, Gaethje in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufc
Former UFC interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg), Justin gaethje 'let the dogs loose' against the boss and the organization. Current number two in the group's ranking, the athlete criticized the current situation in the category regarding the title dispute. In an interview with 'MMA Junkie', the North American disapproved of Dana White's attitudes and also said he was against the treatment given to the newcomer, Michael chandler.
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“The reason this (uncertainty regarding the new title fight) is happening to (Dustin) Poirier is because Dana White literally got in the way of the fight between Dustin and Tony (Ferguson). He said: 'Fuck you, I'm going to hire (Michael) Chandler and he's going to be the reserve for the title fight (UFC 254, in the struggle between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Gaethje)'. This happened about four months ago. We are human beings, we have principles, morals and that's how it is. That's why Dustin poirier is saying this (that he will not face Michael chandler). I think that's it. I don’t talk to the guy,” Justin said.
Gaethje's speech seeks to explain the outrage of certain athletes with the signing and the different treatment received by Chandler, who, after his debut, was considered one of the favorites to compete for the title. As it is one of the most competitive divisions in the organization, Justin believes that athletes who have been in the top 5 for years should be more valued.
“When Dana White did this (signed Chandler and cast him as a backup for the UFC 254), he shit on Dustin poirier, not only in Tony Ferguson. He shits on all the fighters who do the right thing, who want to do the right thing and want integrity in the sport. That’s why Poirier has spoken this way”, suggested the American.
After hitting Conor McGregor No. UFC 257, Dustin poirier he regained first place in the ranking and, consequently, put himself in greater prominence to fight for the title. After the show, however, White confirmed his interest in fighting the battle between the 'Diamond' and Michael, who had won Dan Hooker (formerly sixth in the group) in a brutal way. The 'big boss' statement caused discomfort among some of the division's fighters, who were left aside.
“It wouldn’t be wrong to put (Charles of the Bronx) Oliveira against Poirier. No one would dispute that. I want Poirier, I'm number two. The problem is that the UFC prefers to pit Poirier against McGregor before pitting me against Dustin. That's the truth. I hope they play Oliveira (Do Bronx) against Poirier,” said Gaethje.
Although he does not hide his dissatisfaction with the current situation in the category, Gaethje says he is happy in Ultimate. The athlete has not fought since the setback suffered against Khabib Nurmagomedov, in October 2020, when it ended and lost in an attempt to unify the category title.
"I am happy. I made more money than I have ever made in my life. I'm not dissatisfied. (…) This is the company that expands your skills to the highest levels. I’ve tried to be a company guy since my first day”, he concluded.
With Poirier, Do Bronx and Chandler on the front line for a fight for the belt, which still belongs to the recently retired Khabib, Ultimate continues without defining how it will handle the fight that will decide who will win the belt. Dustin recently admitted that he wouldn't mind stepping aside so Charles can face Michael. The Brazilian, however, continues to argue that the 'right confrontation' to be made is between him and the 'Diamante'.
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