“I Can’t Fight You but Islam Can!”- Daniel Cormier Hits Out at Justin Gaethje for His ‘Su*k It Harder’ Taunt

The UFC lightweight fighter Justin Gaethje and UFC veteran Daniel Cormier had a verbal spat on Twitter over the next contender for the lightweight gold strap.

Recently, Daniel Cormier’s long-time friend and teammate Islam Makhachev secured a spectacular win at UFC 267. The Dagestan native finished Dan hooker in the first round via submission. This win marked the ninth straight victory of Makhachev’s UFC career.

Following this victory, Cormier took to Twitter and claimed that Makhachev should be given the title fight next against the winner between Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira.

He wrote, “Give Islam Makhachev the title fight! I don’t even need to see who wins next week. This dude just killed it. Khabib said this was his MSG moment and boy, did he not deliver. He’s gonna be the champ”

However, the promotion has set a lightweight bout between Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler at UFC 268. And the winner might be next in line for the title. Hence, Cormier’s claims didn’t sit well with Gaethje.

‘The Highlight’ wrote, “Su*k it harder” while taking a shot at Cormier. The exchange continued between Cormier and Gaethje as Cormier said, “You may be safe I’m not sure champ“.

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However, later Cormier explained himself and asked ‘The Highlight’ to calm down. He wrote, “I literally asked why he should get title shot over you? Because he has to convince he deserves to jump you. Hell, I thought you should have been in the fight with Charles. Have said it publicly. Calm down highlight, you’re my favorite fighter.”

Who Will Get the Title Fight Next Justin Gaethje or Islam Makhachev

The American lightweight fighter Justin Gaethje 22-3 became the interim champion by defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 249. Later, he tried to unify his belt against Khabib Nurmagomedov but lost his chance to lay hands on the lightweight gold.

He currently stands #2 in the lightweight division. ‘The Highlight’ will be back in action at UFC 268 and a win in this fight will surely make him the #1 lightweight contender. Hence, he will probably have a chance next to face the lightweight champion.

Meanwhile, the Dagestan native Islam Makhachev is one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC. With a record of 21-1, he currently stands #6 on the roster. However, he is currently on a nine-fight undefeated streak, which makes him the most viable prospect for the title.

WATCH THIS STORY: Five Potential Opponents for Islam Makhachev After His Dominant Submission Victory Over Dan Hooker at UFC 267

Despite his dominance in the division, the 30-year-old is yet to receive his UFC title shot. And as other fighters are already in the picture, it doesn’t seem like Makhachev will be the next one for the title shot. However, in the end, it is the promotion that will decide the next step in the lightweight division.

Who do you think deserves the lightweight title shot? Let us know in the comments.