On Monday, the UFC announced that Justin Gaethje is stepping up on short notice to face Tony Ferguson at UFC 249, April 18th. So, why did Gaethje decide to fight one of the planet’s best and most dangerous fighters with next to no training camp?

Gaethje outlines why he agreed to face “El Cucuy”

As you surely know, originally, UFC 249 was supposed to feature the highly anticipated bout between lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Ferguson. But, due travel bans that have been enacted, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Nurmagomedov is stranded in Russia,

As it became clear the champ wasn’t going to be able to attend UFC 249, reports that Gaethje could be tapped as a replacement made the rounds. Then on Monday, it was confirmed he’ll battle Ferguson for the interim lightweight title at the event.

Since then, Gaethje spoke with TMZ Sports, and while discussing his decision to take the short notice fight (in the midst of a pandemic no less, he said this (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“They called me, my coach said no, not no, but my coach said, ‘You don’t take late replacement fights,’” said Gaethje. “I said, ‘You’re right,’ so I was like, ‘Let’s sleep on it.’

The next morning I woke up (and) I said, ‘If I lose, where are we at?’ and for me it’s in the same exact spot I’m at right now.

“I’m going to go out there and I’m going to get a paycheck, which is nice. But ultimately, I get a chance at glory. Heroes live forever and legends never die and I’m literally here to make a statement.

Now, as far as Gaethje’s comments about the fact he doesn’t stand much to lose, in terms of rankings etc. he’s right. Ferguson has been preparing to fight Nurmagomedov for weeks, and he was doing so before the pandemic closed gyms. 

As a result of the circumstances, and Ferguson’s abilities, he’s already the betting lines favorite to win the bout. So, if Gaethje loses, will his stock drop much? Probably not.

Gaethje breaks down the match-up

And how does Gaethje see the fight with Ferguson unfolding? While discussing that, the walking highlight reel said this.

“I possess some of the best finishing skills on the UFC roster. I’m gonna attack his body, I’m gonna attack his legs and whenever he’s worried about those, I’m going to punch him in the head and hopefully he goes to sleep.

If not, he’s probably going to cut me up with some elbows, probably choke me out late in the fight if I don’t put him to sleep. But I’m content with every single one of those scenarios as long as I get to go in there and I don’t disappoint myself and my family.”

Chances are a lot of people see it the same way. If Ferguson can weather the storm early on, then his chances of securing the interim belt (again) will rise considerably.

As this is being written, no location has been announced yet for UFC 249.

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