Islam Makhachev Called Out to Make Huge Mistake by Picking Justin Gaethje Over Charles Oliveira

Islam Makhachev is the current Lightweight Champion and is ready to fight in 2024. After his successful title defense against Alexander Volkanovski, the Dagestani fighter is all set for his next challenge. While there has been no official announcement of his next fight. Experts have started guessing who his next opponent might be 

Big John McCarthy recently appeared on the Weighing In podcast and gave the audience his opinion. Although, most of the fans believe it will be Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev. McCarthy gives us an entirely new opponent for the current champion. Let us delve into the video to find out whom he picks next for Makhachev. 

Big John McCarthy believes Justin Gaethje will be a worthy opponent for the Dagestani fighter

John McCarthy is one of the few referees in the UFC who has seen epic matches from close quarters. The 6-foot-3 American is retired from refereeing but makes his presence felt in the MMA circuit. He recently appeared on the Weighing In podcast and discussed various things, including Makhachev’s potential opponent.

In the YouTube video, McCarthy mentioned that the Champion should next fight Justin Gaethje and not Charles Oliveira. He gave his reasons for the fight and said: ” Justin Gaethje is someone that you know he’s first got the BMF title, so that’s kind of fun and you know one thing if you are gonna fight Justin he’s gonna bring it, he gonna bring it. That’s a good thing to know if you are Islam . I know exactly where you’re strong. I know exactly where I think you are weak and I know how I go about beating you. Now there’s ways that Justin can beat Islam but Islam knows the way for him to get a win against Justin. 

Why did Justin Gaethje turn down the offer to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 294? 

Islam Makhachev was all set to face Charles Oliveira for his first title defense at UFC 294. However, the Brazilian pulled out of the fight after he suffered a cut above his eyes during practice. ” The Highlight” was then asked to come in as a replacement for Oliveira, but he refused. Gaethje previously fought Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in the same place as UFC 294. 

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The 35-year-old fighter lost the fight and was completely dominated by ” The Eagle.” Gaethje does not have fond memories of Abu Dabi. He also felt that the time zone was the other reason for not taking the fight at such short notice. With Makhachev defeating Alexander Volkanovski and retaining his title, will we see a battle between the two next? Let us know in the comments below.

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