Justin Gaethje Calls Out Khabib Nurmagomedov After Knocking Out Donald Cerrone

Justin Gaethje vs Donald Cerrone in the main event of UFC Fight Night 158. And what a fight it was. Justin Gaethje is certainly the most powerful puncher in the entire lightweight division without any doubt. His knock out against the most experienced fighter in the history of UFC certainly proves that he is one of the best lightweights at the moment.

The fight started with both Gaethje and Cowboy feeling each other out. Donald Cerrone is a slow starter and he took a few shots from Gaethje. He did a great job maintaining distance against Gaethje. he even hurt Gaethje with a few leg kicks and use his jabs properly.

However, Gaethje’s power and precision were too much for Cerrone in the end. Gaethje did connect a few overhand rights, but at 4 minutes 18 seconds of round 1, he finally was able to knock Cowboy out with a vicious right hand.

After the fight, Gaethje was clearly upset with the referee for a late stoppage and rightfully so. Gaethje did hit a few extra punches to Cerrone to make the referee call it a wrap. Both Gaethje and Cerrone were friendly after the fight as Gaethje said he doesn’t want to fight Cerrone again since they are both good friends.

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However, what shocked the fans was Gaethje showing no interest in fighting Conor McGregor. He said he would rather fight the winner of Khabib Numragomedov and Tony Ferguson. He also claimed that Conor McGregor is retired now. Gaethje said:

“I want to fight the winner of Khabib vs Tony. I want to fight Khabib before he is gone.”

Stylistically Gaethje is lethal against both McGregor and Nurmagomedov. In a fight with McGregor, it’s very likely for Gaethje to outstrike the Irish champion. Similarly, in a fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Gaethje can put up a challenge to the champion with his power and excellent wrestling skills that he never uses inside the octagon.

Justin Gaethje is on a three-fight win streak at the moment after his win against Donald Cerrone. Previously he knocked out Edson Barboa and James Vick within the first round. Now with three consecutive first-round finishes against top-ranked fighters, it’s hard to deny Justin Gaethje a title shot in the near future.