Former interim UFC lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje has claimed that he may find himself in deep trouble if he cannot knockout reigning undisputed divisional king, Charles Oliveira ahead of the pair’s expected title showdown next year.
Gaethje, who sits as the #1 ranked contender following former foe and fellow former interim titleholder, Dustin Poirier’s submission loss to Oliveira last weekend at UFC 269, is expected to match with the Brazilian next, possibly at UFC 274 in May, as the promotion attempt to secure a return to Rio de Janeiro for the first time since 2019.
Headlining UFC 269 last weekend, Oliveira secured his first successful defense of the lightweight title with a third round standing rear-naked choke win, and even received praise and was hailed by Gaethje as a legitimate champion backstage, although, the expected challenger maintained he couldn’t wait to break the Brazilian’s face.
While Gaethje appears to be next in line, particularly after receiving the pre-fight nod from promotional president, Dana White off the back of his impressive unanimous decision win over Michael Chandler last month, Oliveira has flirted with a potential showdown against former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor next instead.
Following his win over Poirier, McGregor, who is expected to be sidelined until the summer of next year as he recovers from surgery to address a fractured tibia suffered in his July defeat to the former, called for an immediate title siege against Oliveira in his Octagon return.
In turn, the Chute Boxe mainstay maintained he would be foolish to turn down a title fight with McGregor next, due to the lofty payday that comes when sharing the Octagon with the outspoken Dubliner.
Dissecting how he would likely matchup with Oliveira, the title hopeful, Gaethje appears to remain hugely cautious of both the champion’s esteemed grappling prowess, as well as his Muay Thai improvements.
“At the end of the day, if my striking isn’t better than (Charles Oliveira’s), then I’m f*cked, per say,” Gaethje told ESPN MMA reporter, Brett Okamoto. “That’s where I’m great … he’s incredibly dangerous in the striking department … But I better be better or else I’m gonna be in a f*cking world of trouble.”
LATEST NEWS
- UFC Vegas 57: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot – Weigh-In Results
- Dana White Confirms Joanna Jedrzejczyk Will ‘Without A Doubt’ Land In UFC Hall of Fame
- Breaking – Donald Cerrone vs. Jim Miller 2 Set For UFC 276, Bobby Green Removed From Card
- Dana White: ‘It’s Undeniable That Kamaru Usman Is The Greatest Welterweight Ever’
- Jorge Masvidal Calls For MSG Fight With Conor McGregor ‘Before He Overdoses On Cocaine’