Gaethe Will Consider Leaving UFC if McGregor Gets Title Shot

Following Conor McGregor’s devastating loss to Dustin Poirier, his coach and some others have been calling for a championship, trilogy fight. Well, since then, Justin Gaethje has let it be known that he won’t be too happy if that happens.

So much so, the contender has said he’ll consider leaving the UFC.

Gaethje says folks calling for Poirier – McGregor title fight are “idiots”

McGregor faced Poirier at UFC 257 last weekend, and was finished by the former interim champ in round two. Leading up to the bout, there was extensive talk about the winner advancing to a title fight.

Dana White made it very clear that if McGregor won, he wanted Khabib Nurmagomedov to end his retirement and face his rival. But, even before Conor was taken out, Khabib repeatedly said he’s not thinking about fighting again.

Well, since McGregor’s defeat, he has said he wants to fight Poirier for a third time. After all, both men now hold wins over each other. Not only that, some observers and fans have called for the rubber match to be for the lightweight crown, including Conor’s coach, John Kavanagh.

Gaethje recently spoke with ESPN, and while discussing the idea Poirier – McGregor III should be for a belt, he said this (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“I think he’s an elite fighter. What do they got him ranked at, six? I think he should be ahead of Tony (Ferguson) in the rankings.

But for him to come out and say he wants a title shot next, a rematch versus Poirier, and his coach, they are (expletive) idiots.

He’s been treated special over and over and over, and he didn’t capitalize on this opportunity. That event was for him.

That event was for him to win, and he wants to be Mr. Humble now, but you know he would be an (expletive) if he won that fight.

“So I don’t feel bad for him. I’m happy for Poirier. I’m happy Poirier went out there and did his job and finished him.

I love seeing a loudmouth get knocked out. There is nothing that makes me happier.

Seeing a piece of (expletive) get put down, that was great. I loved it.”

And the ridiculously, dangerous fighter also said this.

“I would think about never fighting in the UFC if he fights for a title again,” Gaethje said. “That would be preposterous.

For one, he’s sitting at No. 6, he’s won one fight in his entire life in the lightweight division, and he picks and chooses who he fights.

So I have no respect for him in that manner.

Reaction?

From a meritocratic perspective, even the biggest McGregor supporter would have a tough time making the case the star deserves to fight for the belt. 

After all, McGregor has recorded just one win now since 2016, and that was against Donald Cerrone at welterweight. Charles Oliveira, meanwhile, has won eight straight and is coming off a dominant win over Tony Ferguson.