Justin Gaethje: I want to fight for that f@$%ing belt

The current UFC lightweight title is in a state of confusion, with current champion Khabib Numagomedov saying he promised his mother he would never fight again. If “The Eagle” is not just MMA retired, and that’s a big if, who fights for the vacated belt is not at all clear.

The undefeated Nurmagomedov made the announcement immediately after successfully defending the belt for the third time, with a relatively kind technical submission of Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, on October 24, 2020. Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier fight in the main event of UFC 257 on January 23. The winner may be the # 1 contender, the interim champ, or even the undisputed champion.

During a recent interview with The Schmo, Justin Gaethje said he wants in, either vs. the winner at UFC 257, or another fight, and then with a win, against the better man on January 23.

I guess I think he’s retired from competing other than maybe his bid farewell, said Gaethje. Like a GSP or something like that. But other than that I don’t think he’s competing for a championship anymore.

I’m number one so of course I want to fight for that f***ing belt, that’s why I’m here. Poirier and McGregor are fighting soon so I want to fight the winner of that. I wholeheartedly believe you should be coming off a win to fight for a belt. So my job now is to get a win.”

I want to fight for the belt and if it is the winner of that fight then I would, in turn, need to beat somebody first, Gaethje said. But, I’ll definitely just fight the winner for the belt, I’m down with that, too.

It’s a fun ride and it’s not over yet. It’s not over until we go crashing down. I’m having fun. Tough break last fight. It was an honor to fight against Khabib, it was f***ing heartbreaking to lose, but I’ve been here before and I came back strong and I’ll continue to do the same thing.

If Gaethje fights again before getting a title shot, potential opponents for “The Highlight” include newly signed three-time Bellator MMA lightweight champion or former division champ Rafael dos Anjos. UG, what do you think should be next for Justin Gaethje?