Some names in the UFC are convinced that Justin Gaethje should have been in place of Charles Oliveira to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 294.
MMA fans got their money’s worth attending UFC 291 (see all results). During the main event of the evening, Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier faced off in an extremely anticipated rematch.
The exchange proved to be most competitive in the 1st round, the fight could go both ways. The second round started the same way, neither athlete really getting the upper hand. However, Justin Gaethje pulled a perfect high-kick out of his hat. In true Leon Edwards style against Kamaru Usman, the American shocked the planet with a big knockout.
Thanks to this victory, Justin Gaethje won the belt of the “Baddest Motherf*cker”. ‘The Highlight’ has surely reached the prime of his career, and many wish to see him face the division champion. Chael Sonnen thinks Justin Gaethje should have been the next to face Islam Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev vs. Justin Gaethje?
“We thought the winner between Justin Gaethje or Dustin Poirier would be the No. 1 contender,” Sonnen said on the ESPN YouTube channel post-fight show. “We also thought they would be injured after the fight… It was a surprise finish. Justin Gaethje is surprisingly fresh… I think he’s ready to fight. »
“The fight between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev was made because everyone thought the winner would be hurt,” added Anthony Smith. “(…) I think that if the matchmakers had known the result, they might have waited a little longer to organize this fight between Makhachev and Oliveira. »
Charles Oliveira will have the opportunity to get his revenge on Islam Makahachev at UFC 294 in October after being submitted by the Dagestani at UFC 280. Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje on their side, could end up putting an end to to their rivalry in a trilogy fight. Before that, ‘The Highlight’ should be next to get the title-shot.
