If Khabib Nurmagomedov retains the UFC’s lightweight title later this year, as it stands right now, it certainly doesn’t sound like he’d be open to giving Conor McGregor a rematch.
But, if Justin Gaethje ends “The Eagle’s” reign, the interim champ’s made it clear he’s more than willing to throw hands with the “Notorious” one.
Gaethje comments on McGregor’s future
As you certainly know, recently McGregor made headlines, by announcing he’s retiring (again). The star reported that he’s a “bit bored” of the “game”, and McGregor also relayed he’s frustrated that his next fight hasn’t materialized.
Well, the consensus seems to be that McGregor will eventually return, and while talking about the star’s future with ESPN, Gaethje said this (quotes via MMA Junkie).
“I think he should wait for the winner of me and Khabib,” Gaethje said. “If I win, I think he definitely comes back. If Khabib wins, I don’t know.
I’m not sure about that. (Conor’s) a legend, man. What he did was legendary status. I’ll never take that away from him. He deserves credit.
He’s accomplished so much in this sport. What every fighter wants to attain, he accomplished, so hats off to him. I can’t wait to punch him in the face.”
Would McGregor come back for a fight with Gaethje? If he’s holding the lightweight title? You would think so?
After all, it wasn’t long ago that McGregor said he was going to “butcher” Gaethje for questioning his abilities as a father (Gaethje blasted McGregor for allegedly sucker-punching an elderly man and noted the star has kids).
It certainly seems like McGregor’s path to another shot at the lightweight title is shorter and less complicated if Gaethje wins the belt. Khabib submitted Conor in 2018, and he’s repeatedly argued the former champ needs to defeat top contenders, before he gets a rematch.
Gaethje talks strategy for McGregor
And how would Gaethje approach a fight with McGregor? One of the more dangerous strikers in the lightweight division?
The heavy-handed and decorated wrestler said this.
“Distance control is the No. 1 factor in any fight,” Gaethje said. “It’s established in the first 30 seconds.
It’s not visible, but it’s established, and that would be a huge factor in our fight. Who can control the distance?
I think the best thing about me is I can kick the (expletive) out of people, so when they are trying to control distance or maybe they are winning at that, I can kick them in the leg and try to reset that.
So I think I would knock him out to be honest.
“I think he’s got about three rounds, and then it’s hell, and he doesn’t want to go to hell, so I think he’s good for now.”
Sounds like a solid plan, but will we ever get to see Gaethje try to implement it?
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