After his impressive first-round TKO victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, Islam Makhachev was asked who he would like to fight next. When given the options of Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje, Makhachev simply replied, ‘I never choose. Dana, you have some job. Give me someone.’ This caught the attention of Gaethje, who took to social media to send a message to the lightweight champion.
Gaethje acknowledged that he faces a tough road ahead if he is granted the title opportunity. Currently ranked No. 2 behind Oliveira, Gaethje believes he deserves the next shot at Makhachev, despite Oliveira’s previous loss to him.
‘I’ve been doing this s—t a long time, but I earned my spot,’ Gaethje told ESPN+’s Megan Olivi. He also mentioned his recent second-round KO victory over Dustin Poirier in July.
Gaethje is well aware of the comparisons between Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, and he is eager to test his skills against the lightweight champion.
‘I just want to figure it out,’ Gaethje said.
It remains to be seen who Makhachev will face next, but Gaethje has made it clear that he is ready for the challenge.