Two years ago, Justin Gaethje made a bold statement when he revealed that he was in the final stretch of his career in the UFC. This came after his impressive victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286. However, after their rematch at UFC 313, it seems like Gaethje is not ready to hang up his gloves just yet. In fact, he is more motivated than ever to reach the pinnacle of the lightweight division.
Gaethje, also known as ‘The Highlight’, has been on a remarkable journey in the UFC. With an impressive record of 22 wins and only three losses, he has proved to be a force to be reckoned with in the octagon. He has taken on some of the toughest opponents in the lightweight division and has emerged victorious, solidifying his status as a UFC legend.
After his stunning knockout victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, Gaethje stepped in for the highly anticipated fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254. Despite a valiant effort, he was unable to dethrone the undefeated champion and suffered his first loss in the UFC. But this defeat did not discourage Gaethje. Instead, it fueled his desire to become the best in the division.
Now, with Nurmagomedov announcing his retirement, the lightweight title is up for grabs. And Gaethje has his sights set on the gold. In his recent fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 313, he showed that he is still a major threat in the division. He dominated the fight from start to finish, winning by unanimous decision. But it was his post-fight callout that caught everyone’s attention.
Gaethje wasted no time in calling for a fight against the rising star, Islam Makhachev. He even went as far as saying that he is ready to fight him tomorrow. This callout has sparked a lot of interest among fans and the UFC community. And with good reason. A potential fight between Gaethje and Makhachev promises to be an all-action showdown between two elite lightweights.
But for Gaethje to secure this fight, he will have to steal it from another rising star in the division, Ilia Topuria. Topuria has been on a tear in the UFC, winning all three of his fights in the octagon, including a stunning victory over Ryan Hall at UFC 264. He has quickly established himself as one of the top contenders in the division and is also eyeing a title shot.
So, what does Gaethje need to do to steal the title shot from Topuria? UFC legend and former light heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier, has laid out a plan for Gaethje to secure the much-coveted fight against Makhachev.
According to Cormier, first and foremost, Gaethje needs to stay active. He cannot afford to sit on the sidelines and wait for the title shot to come to him. He needs to continue fighting and winning in order to make a strong case for himself to fight for the title.
Secondly, Gaethje needs to finish his fights in spectacular fashion. He is known for his aggressive style and knockout power, and he needs to utilize it to his advantage. The more impressive his performances are, the higher his chances of getting the title shot.
Cormier also believes that Gaethje should fight Makhachev sooner rather than later. If he can defeat Makhachev, it will solidify his position as the top contender in the division and make it difficult for anyone else to deny him a title shot.
Lastly, Gaethje needs to stay focused and not get distracted by the potential showdown with Makhachev. He must continue to improve and evolve as a fighter, and not let the pressure of securing the title shot affect him.
If Gaethje can follow these steps, there is no doubt that he will be able to steal the title shot from Topuria and secure a fight against Makhachev. And with his determination and drive, it is safe to say that he will not let this opportunity slip away.
In conclusion, Justin Gaethje is on a mission to become the best lightweight in the UFC. And with the division up for grabs, he sees this as his chance to make his mark. With the support of his fans and the guidance of legends like Cormier, Gaethje is well on his way to achieving