Justin Gaethje Reveals What He Told Khabib Nurmagomedov Inside the Octagon After His Loss

Despite not getting the result that he wanted, Justin Gaethje remained his humble self at UFC 254. Following a second-round submission win, Khabib Nurmagomedov became extremely emotional inside the octagon. However, ‘The Highlight’ joined him at that moment and let him know what he felt about him.

The UFC 254 headliner was billed as the potential fight of the year. The first round between Gaethje and Khabib was pretty even, with Justin even securing it on two of the three judges’ scorecards. However, as soon as the fight went on to the ground, the former interim champion had no answer to Khabib’s imposing style of fighting.

The reigning lightweight champion secured a triangle choke, forcing Gaethje to tap in the second round of the fight. Following the win, ‘The Eagle’ signaled his team to not celebrate much as he went down on his knees in the center of the octagon. For a man who doesn’t show much of his emotions, Khabib had tears in his eyes as he unleashed all that he had been holding in.

It was at this moment that Justin went close to him and said something in his ears. Talking to BT Sport after the fight, the former interim champ opened up on what he told the undefeated Russian champ. Justin Gaethje said, “I said I haven’t had the chance to tell you, but I’m sorry for dad’s loss. You just made your father really proud,” 

Justin Gaethje accepts that he will have to get over the setback all alone

Following the loss, Justin Gaethje didn’t have a lot of regrets. It seemed as if he knew he did what he could’ve done from his end. Other than that, one can’t do anything but to live with the results.

He said, “Right now, it hurts. There’s not a lot of people that can make me feel better. It’s on me. I’m gonna go home. You have to deal with this alone especially cause you step in there alone. I have a lot of comforting voices and I know that I make so many people proud just by stepping in there.” 

“The preparation that I put in is second to none. People appreciate that. People that I know, that I’ve come across, that’s what they’re fans of me for,” he added.

With ‘The Eagle’ having retired, the throne of the 155-pounds division will be up for grabs. Given that the division is one of the most top-heavy in the promotion, there should be a thought fight for who fills in the shoes of ‘The Eagle’. Will Justin Gaethje get to fight for the vacant belt?

Read More: Dana White Says Khabib Nurmagomedov ‘Broke His Foot’ Before Fighting Justin Gaethje at UFC 254