3 Years After Lopsided Loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov, Dagestani’s Teammate Backs Justin Gaethje for Another Shot at the Title Against Islam Makhachev

With the BMF title around his waist, UFC Lightweight fighter Justin Gaethje is now looking forward to his next fight. At first, Gaethje’s stance on the BMF title was quite aversive, but he warmed up to the idea, winning the UFC 291 main event by putting Dustin Poirier to sleep with a crafty head kick.

Now, former Lightweight champion Conor McGregor has called out Gaethje and is looking to incite him to pick a fight against the Irishman. Gaethje has thwarted any and all efforts from ‘The Notorious’ despite McGregor’s incessant Tweets. But then, what is next for the UFC BMF champion? UFC Legend Daniel Cormier discussed the ‘future’ for Gaethje with former American footballer Ryan Clark.

Straight to The Top – A title shot for the BMF Champ Justin Gaethje?

At UFC 291, Justin Gaethje avenged his earlier loss at the hands of Dustin Poirier. With such an impressive win over such a fiercely skilled opponent, Gaethje has earned himself a title shot opportunity – at least according to UFC commentator Daniel Cormier. Cormier, who happens to be Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s teammate, was especially impressed with Justin Gaethje when he took one round from ‘The Eagle’.

In a recent interview, Ryan Clark asked Cormier what was next for the newly-crowned BMF champ. The UFC legend replied promptly saying a title shot seemed like the natural choice.

Talking to Clark, Cormier said, “He said for the first time, he had no nerve. He said that is why he was looking into the crowd… trying to find a way to make himself feel something. He was so at ease and calm, inside the octagon but he is the number one contender and rightfully so.“

Dive Deeper – Conor McGregor’s Comeback Plans Against Justin Gaethje Shot Down as UFC HoF’er Lays Out BMF’s Path to the Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev

“He is the guy that should be challenging for a championship and Ryan, he is also the guy who took a round off Khabib Nurmagomedov. So, if he did that, you would imagine he has the ability to go and do the same to Islam Makhachev, said Cormier, advocating Gaethje’s title shot opportunity. “Or, Oliviera, a guy he hurt very bad the first time they fought,” he added. 

McGregor, Gaethje, and Islam Makhachev – What’s next for the UFC?

Right now, the UFC has a lot of interesting fight cards to play with. McGregor, who is still slated against his TUF rival Michael Chandler, now wants a BMF title shot opportunity against Justin Gaethje. However, Gaethje has brushed all of that aside. Meanwhile, the Lightweight champ Islam Makhachev ,who is the protege of the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov, is preparing for UFC 294 where he will be defending his title against Charles Oliveira.

Cormier has said that the winner of the fight between Makhachev and Oliveira should be the next fight for Gaethje as it makes total sense but it all ultimately depends on what the fight-makers deem fit. Could Chandler be the next fight for Gaethje? Or does Dana White have other plans for the BMF champ?

Let us know what fights you would like to see in the comments below.

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