It’s been over two years since Justin Gaethje revealed that he’s currently in the final run of his career in the UFC when he defeated Rafael Fiziev for the first time at UFC 286. After their rematch at UFC 313, ‘The Highlight’ seems like he was really in a rush as he called for a title shot. And in case anybody has any issues with title fight demands, Gaethje has asked them to “argue with yourself.” But in the wake of discussions surrounding Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira‘s claim to a title shot, the former interim champion’s demand may fall on deaf ears. However, Michael Bisping seems to have an idea.

Going by the current scenario of the lightweight division, there are quite a few contenders who could be fighting Islam Makhachev next. Highlighting the three possible contenders, Michael Bisping said, “So there’s Topuria being dismissive. There’s Oliveira talking s**t. Topuria needs to prove himself, apparently, according to the champ. Oliveira needs that last final fight to get over the hump to challenge for the belt. And, in the meantime, you got Justin Gaethje, a fan favorite, a company man that’s always putting on great fights,” on his YouTube channel.

Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira have been engaged in a verbal back-and-forth lately. The Georgian-Spanish star took several shots at ‘Do Bronxs’ after the latter claimed that a potential clash against the soon-to-be former featherweight champion isn’t lucrative enough because he wants a ‘big fight’—that being a title fight against Islam Makhachev. This back-and-forth verbiage could be an advantage for Justin Gaethje, as Michael Bisping claims that he’s got a clear route to the title by just letting Topuria and Oliveira settle their differences. While they try to legitimize their #1 contender status, ‘The Count’ suggests that the ex-BMF champ swoops in to fight Makhachev.

“All Justin Gaethje’s got to do is stay nice and quiet. Let these two keep chatting it up, talking a bit of s–t, and Justin Gaethje might just emerge out of this a the winner, as the guy that gets to go up against Islam Makhachev,” Michael Bisping added. “And then, Topuria vs Oliveira, they might fight for the #1 contender’s spot. Whoever wins that gets to fight the winner between Islam and Justin Gaethje.”

While Michael Bisping has shared some advice for Justin Gaethje as to how he can get the opportunity to fight Islam Makhachev, a fellow lightweight fighter believes that ‘The Highlight’ doesn’t need to do anything. Why? Because he believes Gaethje will get it, anyway.

Lightweight rival claims Justin Gaethje will get title shot next

Rising star Paddy Pimblett is gearing up for Michael Chandler at UFC 314 as he plans to inch closer to becoming a champion himself. But what about the current scenario? Well, during a recent Q&A session with the fans, Pimblett got hit with this question as to who’s next for Islam Makhachev. While taking some jibes at Arman Tsarukyan, ‘The Baddy’ confidently claimed that Justin Gaethje is “more than likely” to be the next title contender.

“I think it’s more than likely looking like Justin’s going to end up fighting for it, to be honest, after Arman s—t his undies the night before the fight,” said Paddy Pimblett. “Dana said he needs to go back to the drawing board, so it doesn’t look like it’s going to be the little rich boy, Arman. Looks more like it’s going to be Justin.” Well, what do you think?

If Dana White’s looking for an exciting fight, he knows Justin Gaethje will deliver. And guess what? Even Islam Makhachev is open to fighting the former BMF champion in the past, so maybe the road is clear for ‘The Highlight. Regardless, let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.