Gaethje and Makhachev at an event. Photo: Reproduction/DominanceMMA
In June, Justin Gaethje shocked the world and completely shook up the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). At UFC Casa Branca , an event held in Washington (USA), the American punished the feared Ilia Topuria , knocking him out in the fourth round and becoming champion. Now, 'The Highlight' has no shortage of opponents, but Ali Abdelaziz, his manager, is eyeing a super fight against an old acquaintance from a different weight class.
During his appearance on the 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast, the executive suggested that Gaethje face Islam Makhachev , the welterweight champion (up to 77,1 kg). It's true that, for his first lightweight title defense, the athlete could face rematches against Charles Oliveira , Ilia Topuria , Paddy Pimblett , Max Holloway , or the winner of Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy.
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However, since 'The Highlight', 37, has already been considering retirement and has star status, Abdelaziz wants his possible last fight to be grand, and that's precisely where the legendary Russian comes in. Interestingly, the professional is also Makhachev's manager.
“If Gaethje has to choose a fight, and I just want him to have one more, he needs to choose the opponent who will give him the highest payout. It doesn’t have to be for the belt. It could be for the welterweight belt, the lightweight belt, or the BMF belt. What matters is who will give him the highest payout. Speaking selfishly here, if Topuria had won, he would have faced Makhachev next,” he said.
“ I think that if Gaethje chooses to face Makhachev, he could get that fight . Why not? He would give up the lightweight belt. If that's the fight that pays, and it should be the one that pays the most. In the end, Gaethje has one of the smartest coaches in MMA. I listen to this guy with my eyes closed. He chooses who Gaethje fights. Gaethje chooses who to fight. There are so many scenarios,” he concluded.
Gaethje focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Gaethje and Makhachev MMA fighters
Justin Gaethje , 37, is a legend. The American began his career in the sport in 2011 and debuted in the UFC in 2017. With the organization, 'The Highlight', in addition to being the lightweight champion, won the interim belt twice and the 'BMF' title (baddest motherfucker).
In this sport, the athlete built a record of 28 wins, 21 by knockout, and five losses. His main victories were over Donald Cerrone , Dustin Poirier , Edson Barboza , Ilia Topuria , Michael Chandler , Paddy Pimblett , Rafael Fiziev (twice), and Tony Ferguson.
Islam Makhachev , 34, is a UFC double champion and an MMA legend. With four successful title defenses, the Russian holds the record in the lightweight division. He began his career in the sport in 2010 and debuted in the biggest organization in MMA in 2015.
In this discipline, the welterweight champion built a record of 28 wins and one loss. His main victories were over Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Arman Tsarukyan , Charles Oliveira , Dustin Poirier , Jack Della Maddalena , and Renato Moicano.
Makhachev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
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