Alright, so here’s the deal. Justin Gaethje’s itching for that phone call from the UFC. He’s got his eyes on Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title — and he’s cool with it happening in, like, two months. Which is soon, but you know how these things go in the fight world. It’s either tomorrow or in a million years, no in-between.
This Makhachev guy, though, he’s playing it real mysterious. There’s talk about Ilia Topuria maybe tossing his featherweight belt into the wind to bulk up for the lightweight chaos — like, good luck with that. And then, who knows, Makhachev might decide to grow a second head and a third arm and challenge at 170, especially if Jack Della Maddalena snags the welterweight belt next month at UFC 315. Predicting this stuff is like trying to catch a greased pig at a country fair — not that I’ve ever done that.
Anyway, there’s this grand spectacle, UFC 317 — International Fight Week or something — where if Makhachev isn’t being a slippery fish and actually defends the lightweight belt, Gaethje’s waving his hand more enthusiastically than a bidding war at an auction.
Gaethje’s chatted with The Schmo (gotta love the name) about being ready to fight in June. He’s not exactly a rookie anymore. He said something like, “I’m totally geared up. Makhachev’s talking about June matches, right? And yeah, I mean, I’m grinding already, but wow, what a journey — not the start, definitely closer to the finale.”
He’s sitting on a 4-1 record in his last five bouts. The only blip was getting outclassed by Max Holloway — who’s like some fight wizard or something. Oliveira’s been there, done that, and Tsarukyan… well, he kind of tripped over his shoelaces. Topuria’s up there too. But, hey, Gaethje’s hopeful. It’s a whodunit of who-s-gonna-face-who.
After a grudge match (well, more of a rematch) at UFC 313 with Rafael Fiziev, where Gaethje squeaked out a decision win, he’s sniffing around the title scene. His last ring escapade? Bounced back from a Holloway highlight-reel KO from UFC 300, like a guy who just can’t catch a break — well, until recently.
Assuming Makhachev doesn’t bounce up to another weight class — because man, that’d just muddle things up further — Gaethje reckons he’s got a winning lottery ticket to challenge for the belt. His shortlist? Himself, Oliveira, and Topuria. Gaethje’s crystal clear: “One of us three, man, has got to have a go at the belt. Me, Oliveira, Topuria. They’d better holler my name soon. And honestly, beyond that, I haven’t given it much thought.” Like, at all.
