One week after his hard-fought victory at UFC 313, Justin Gaethje has given fans a deeper look at the physical toll of his most recent fight. The former interim lightweight champion turned to social media to discuss an injury sustained during his fight with Rafael Fiziev. While ‘The Highlight’ is no stranger to leaving the Octagon with scrapes and bruises, this particular battle scar has made many fans feel squeamish in their tummies. His caption, “You do not want to be the ultimate fighter,” further added to the mystery surrounding his most recent war wound. So, what is this awful injury?

Well, Gaethje’s revealed a horrible result of his all-attack fighting style: serious friction burns on both of his big toes. The injuries were caused by his foot-dragging technique when throwing punches, which is an essential part of his high-pressure striking style. Unlike more usual injuries like broken noses or swollen eyes, this damage was caused by his own movement inside the cage, not an opponent’s attacks. And it would be an understatement to say that it surely looks gnarly.

Despite his injuries, Justin Gaethje is focused on his next step in the lightweight division. The former BMF champion has already expressed his desire for a title shot. With Islam Makhachev still without a confirmed challenger, ‘The Highlight’ feels his victory over Fiziev, despite the battle wound, is enough to put him in contention. After a lengthy layoff following his terrible UFC 300 loss to Max Holloway, he is desperate to climb his way to the top.

However, Justin Gaethje’s immediate concern will be getting all recovered, but his warrior mindset suggests he won’t be out long. Although the chances are that he might get a title shot against Islam Makhachev, it is worth noting that he recently found himself in the crosshairs of another UFC fighter. One he has a history with and the one who is not even in his division. So, who is this mystery fighter?

Colby Covington goes on an R-rated jibe against Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje may be pursuing the UFC lightweight title, but beyond the Octagon, he has been subjected to Colby Covington’s unrelenting trash talk. ‘Chaos’ is notorious for taking digs at other fighters, frequently causing controversy with his brash and unapologetic remarks. In a recent video from ‘Cage Culture,’ Covington mocked Gaethje’s fighting style and even made a personal jibe at his appearance. He said, “Well, Poirier got knocked out like that by ‘Ducklet’ Gaethje. He’s a duckling—quack, quack, quack. I’m Justin Gaethje; I get f—— hit in the head, and now I have f—–up lips.” This barrage of unkind words surely left many scratching their heads since the two are not even in the same weight classes.

While they compete in completely separate weight classes, Colby Covington and Justin Gaethje do have a history. In 2020, both men were seen together supporting former US President Donald Trump. Initially, ‘The Highlight’ thought Covington was a respected figure, but his opinion changed significantly. The former interim lightweight champion later referred to ‘Chaos’ as a coward and a fake, accusing him of changing personas while cameras were filming. “He is a coward—he’s a fake person. He stands there and acts like this soft-hearted dude, and then he gets behind the camera, and he’s a total coward and a fake person. I’ve never met someone as fake as Colby Covington,” Gaethje stated.

Their hostility grew even stronger when Gaethje refused to support Covington in his title fight against Leon Edwards. When asked to pick a winner, ‘The Highlight’ replied bluntly, “I don’t pick against America, but f— that guy.” While Colby Covington continues to fire verbal jibes, Justin Gaethje appears unfazed about the situation, focusing on his career as a lightweight. However, with ‘Chaos’ constantly seeking ways to stay relevant, this feud may not be done just yet. What do you think? Will the feud come to an end (or blows) anytime soon? Let us know in the comments.