Veteran Lightweight Contender Justin Gaethje Eyes Title Shot Ahead of Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira

Justin Gaethje wants to fight the winner of Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira title fight at UFC 317.

Veteran Lightweight Contender Justin Gaethje Eyes Title Shot Ahead of Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira

Justin Gaethje's eyes for the winner of Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira (via Imago/X)

Justin Gaethje is considered one of the greatest UFC fighters ever, who has not yet captured the UFC championship belt. With limited fights remaining in his career, the seasoned veteran refuses to let any potential opportunity to win UFC gold slip away. As Ilia Topuria prepares to face Charles Oliveira this Saturday, Gaethje has already issued his firm ultimatum regarding his next opponent.

Gaethje was on track for a title shot, but Max Holloway stopped him at UFC 300, capturing the BMF belt. After suffering that crushing defeat, Gaethje rebounded impressively by defeating Rafael Fiziev in a brutal, high-paced war during his most recent fight. In a recent MMA Fighting interview, Gaethje firmly declared he deserves a title shot and will not accept anything less.

I’m waiting for the winner of Ilia vs Charles… I’ll be there, that’s who I want to fight…Catch me on a certain day. I’ll tell you a certain thing. It’s a very emotional sport, but, I try not to speak too out of pocket when I’m emotional, which is right no. I’m gonna fight again in the future. It has to be the champion.

Gaethje has already fought for the UFC lightweight title on two different occasions against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. In both instances, he got choked out, however, it never affected his reputation as a violent and entertaining fighter. But all that damage and age has now caught up and the ‘Highlight’ will probably retire if not given the title shot soon.

However, other top contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett remain in the title race and question Gaethje’s current credentials. Gaethje, meanwhile, has openly claimed that the UFC top brass owes him a significant favour for accepting the Holloway fight. It will be fascinating to see if the UFC has any concrete plans for Gaethje’s future within the lightweight division.

Ilia Topuria shares his weight cut ahead of Charles Oliveira fight

Ilia Topuria’s featherweight journey was spectacular as he consistently dominated and defeated top-tier fighters throughout the competitive division’s ranks. He shocked the world by knocking out legends like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, cementing his status as an unstoppable force. In a surprising move, Topuria vacated the featherweight title, leaving fans and analysts stunned by his unexpected career decision.

Ilia Topuria is enjoying his lightweight weight cut
Ilia Topuria is enjoying his lightweight weight cut (via X)

Topuria’s main target was to fight the pound-for-pound ace Islam Makhachev and become the champion. However, as expected, there have been doubts about the fighter’s weight and height disadvantage in comparison to natural lightweight fighters. However, the fighter doesn’t necessarily feel the same and has enjoyed his recent weight cut for 317.

This is the first time that I actually feel like I’m 100 percent, because in the past, I always had to cut the weight. I always had to suffer mentally, physically. This time, I have been able to enjoy the whole process. I feel like I’m at 100 percent. My power is on point. My stamina is on point. So I feel very, very powerful at this weight class. Of course, the guys are bigger, but I’m bigger also, and I have more power. Actually, I belong to this weight class naturally.

Topuria has already warned Charles Oliveira that he would knock out the former champion in the early rounds. On the other hand, ‘Do Bronx’ has great personal motivation to win the belt and gain back his lost glory. It would be interesting to see how it takes the win this Saturday and how it helps in deciding the next challenger.