Justin Gaethje is hoping the UFC calls his title to problem Islam Makhachev for the light-weight title — and is prepared even when the combat could be two months away.
Makhachev’s subsequent transfer stays a thriller, particularly since featherweight champ Ilia Topuria is ready to vacate his title this Saturday when the UFC 314 essential occasion between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes begins for a run at light-weight. One other chance is Makhachev transferring as much as 170 to problem for a second belt, particularly if Jack Della Maddalena turns into welterweight champ at UFC 315 subsequent month.
One factor is for sure: If Makhachev fights at UFC 317 — the promotion’s Worldwide Combat Week pay-per-view card — and places the light-weight title on the road, Gaethje’s hand is raised as excessive as will be.
“I’m able to combat, I’m able to combat in June,” Gaethje informed The Schmo. “I don’t know, I believe Makhachev stated he desires to combat in June. I’m hoping I get that decision sooner somewhat than later so I can… I’m clearly working, nevertheless it’s been a loopy trip. I’m not at first of the journey. It’s in direction of the tip.
“I’m 4-1 in my final 5 fights, solely dropping to Max Holloway. We’ve received [Charles] Oliveira, who already misplaced [to Makhachev]. [Arman] Tsarukyan actually f*cked it up. I don’t assume they’ll give it to him, after which Topuria. I can see them giving it to Topuria, so we’ll see what they do.”
Gaethje just lately earned a call win in opposition to Rafael Fiziev in a brief discover rematch at UFC 313 a month in the past. “The Spotlight” bounced again from a highlight-reel knockout loss to Holloway at UFC 300 11 months prior, however with the wild state of the 155-pound division, Gaethje finds himself within the title dialogue as soon as once more.
Ought to Makhachev stay at 155, and never vacate for a transfer to welterweight, Gaethje feels he has a robust case — together with two others — to get the following shot.
“A type of three names has to combat for the belt: Me, Oliveira, or Topuria,” Gaethje stated. “So I’m hoping they name my title, pull my quantity, pull my card. Exterior of that, I haven’t even considered it.”
