Justin Gaethje doesn’t see Islam Makhachev as the unconquerable force that Khabib Nurmagomedov was.
UFC lightweight superstar Justin Gaethje has spoken out about what he thinks is the biggest challenge for UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Justin Gaethje will fight this weekend at UFC 291, where he will have the opportunity to become the next BMF champion, title up for grabs against Dustin Poirier. Their first fight will forever be a legendary fight and an instant classic. Fans can only hope that their second fight will go the same way, but given the skills and style of both fighters, there’s almost no doubt about it. The American took the opportunity to speak about Islam Makhachev.
Justin Gaethje thinks he can beat Islam Makhachev
During an interview with CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Justin Gaethje was asked what he thinks is Islam Makhachev’s “biggest challenge” and he didn’t hesitate in his response. Asked about the UFC lightweight champion and what could be his biggest challenge, Gaethje made some strong points. First, he stated the obvious: Alexander Volkanovski would be his biggest challenge so far.
“If we go by what we know, it will be Volkanovski because he has fought him before and the fight was very close,” Justin Gaethje told Mahjouri.
However, Gaethje also brings up a very good point. Makhachev faced Oliveira, yes. But not Dustin Poirier and himself. Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier are arguably the two greatest fighters in the division aside from Oliveira. And, given the level of skill the top echelon of the lightweight division possesses, any fight really can take any turn.
“I never fought him, Poirier never fought him. I think if I have to tell you anything, it would be wait until we face Islam Makhachev him and me. I think Volkanovski is the obvious answer for now, but I can’t wait to get into it (with Islam Makhachev), I know for a fact he’s not Khabib (Nurmagomedov) and I want to prove it,” concluded Justin Gaethje
