Justin Gaethje Says He’s Fighting Islam Makhachev-Alexander Volkanovski Winner Next

Justin Gaethje is confident he's next in line for a shot at the lightweight title.

Currently on a two-fight winning streak, “The Highlight” is coming off an emphatic Round 2 knockout victory against perennial lightweight contender Dustin Poirier, which saw him secure the “BMF” title in July at UFC 291. Before that, the American took on one of the most vicious strikers in the division in Rafael Fiziev, and both fighters put on an exceptional showing of grit and will. However, Gaethje) proved to be the more calculated and cerebral fighter of the two, eventually securing a majority decision triumph.

Interestingly, Gaethje recently confirmed that he was offered to take on Islam Makhachev on short notice for UFC 294. However, the former interim champion chose to decline the opportunity, insinuating it was too close to his last bout with Dustin Poirier for him to make the turnaround.

During the same interaction following the UFC 294 ceremonial weigh-ins, “The Highlight,” who will be in the corner of Kamaru Usman this weekend, went on to reveal what's next for him.

“I'm fighting the winner of Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev. I know that's happening,” Gaethje told TNT Sports.

Asked if he'd prefer to take on Islam Makhachev for the title considering the reigning champion's relationship with his former adversary, retired lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov, Gaethje responded.

“I don't think that's as important to me as reaching my goal, which is to become the undisputed lightweight champion,” he said. “I hold no grudges, that's not a fight I can get back. But I do think that beating Islam Makhachev would be legendary for my legacy.”

Should Gaethje's assertions regarding him being next line for the title shot prove to be true, it would mark his third time competing for the undisputed title.

Gaethje's first shot at the lightweight title came against Nurmagomedov back in October 2020, when he suffered a Round 2 technical submission loss to the hands of the Dagestani phenom. His second shot at the strap came against Brazil's Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 last year. In that bout, the Team Elevation product suffered a Round 1 submission against “Do Bronx.”