Justin Gaethje makes demands clear after saving UFC 313 with short notice fight

Justin Gaethje wants to fight for the lightweight championship after potentially winning a dangerous matchup at UFC 313.

Justin Gaethje makes demands clear after saving UFC 313 with short notice fight

Justin Gaethje makes his demands clear about his target after UFC 313 (via Imago/X)

Former BMF champion Justin Gaethje is all set to make his octagon return at the co-main event of UFC 313. Initially, the UFC booked him to face Dan Hooker, but Rafael Fiziev replaced the Kiwi fighter to face the ‘Highlight.’ Gaethje is confident about the fight and is already looking towards his future fight.

The violent lightweight is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining fighters, and fans were concerned after Hooker got injured. Fiziev and Gaethje have already shared the octagon and it was an incredible fight. In a recent interview, the Arizona native also talked about his intentions after he wins at UFC 313. 

I’m always shooting for Makhachev…There’s really not a lot of guys, and so with a huge win here… I think they’re gonna have to consider me.

Justin Gaethje via The Jim Rome Show 
YouTube video

Gaethje has fought for the UFC lightweight gold on two different occasions, and came short on both occasions. His last bout was against Max Holloway, where he got brutally knocked out, and lost his BMF title. However, these setbacks don’t seem to bother him, who is ready to fight for the gold again. 

Gaethje explains that the current state of the UFC lightweight division is extremely volatile. He expressed that Charles Oliveira has already lost to Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan missed his chance at UFC 311. According to Gaethje, a strong finish against Fiziev would put him right in the spot. 

Justin Gaethje compares Islam Makhachev to his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov 

Khabib Nurmagomedov dominated Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, securing a second-round triangle choke submission. Initially, Gaethje landed some leg kicks but Nurmagomedov’s relentless pressure overwhelmed him. In the second round, the Dagestani got a hold of the All-American and forced him to tap. 

Justin Gaethje fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC
Justin Gaethje fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC (via UFC 254)

After that fight, ‘The Eagle’ announced his retirement from the world of mixed martial arts. Gaethje has frequently said that Nurmagomedov was his toughest opponent. However, he doesn’t think Islam Makhachev has the same lethality. 

I think he’s similar to Khabib but he’s not Khabib. He got finished before, he has a loss. It would be a really hard fight. 

Justin Gaethje via UFC 286 post-fight presser 
YouTube video

Makhachev is the current pound-for-pound king and has repeatedly dominated all his opponents. The lightweight champion has defended his title four times, and wants to continue his dominance. The Dagestani has also shown interest in fighting Justin Gaethje as he is a new opponent for him. It remains to be seen if the dream matchup ever comes to fruition.

Related: Islam Makhachev Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House