Gaethje aiming for McGregor, through Ferguson

The TUF 25 Finale was not without some highlights but was a little slow overall. Until it wasn’t. In the main event, lightweight Justin Gaethje made one of the most spectacular league debuts since Royce Gracie at UFC 1.

Then at the post-fight press conference, Gaethje said what he wants next.

Whoever gets me closer to an interim title right now, said Gaethje, as transcribed by Dan Hiergesell for MMA Mania. [Conor] McGregor’s not here, so I’m going to get that interim title on my waist, then when he comes back: pressure. I pressure people. You think you can take it. He has a fantastic left hand. If he touches me with it, I’ll go to sleep. If not, you saw what will happen tonight. [Johnson] has never been finished (by knockout) before. I finished him in the second round.

I got the biggest heart. I’m the most violent guy in this division. I’ll prove it time and time again. Every time, I’ve been ‘Fight of the Year.’ For now [this is it]. I’ll fight again, that will be considered ‘Fight of the Year.’ I can take the most boring fighter and put him in that fight right there, so that’s what I do. I’m an entertainer.

The fight Gaethje wants immediately is Tony Ferguson.

That’s what I want, said Gaethje. Michael Johnson whooped his ass, so I will break him. Guaranteed. Call me a liar all you want.

I’m not infallible. Never will be. I will lose, like I said. I’m not scared to get knocked out, I’m not scared to lose. I’m scared not to perform.

It sounds dirty, but I’m a promoter’s wet dream. What else can you ask for? I literally go in there and put it on the line. I have no regrets. I’m not scared to lose. I’m an entertainer. That’s proven, because I got a performance [bonus] and knockout of the night. That’s what I’m in there for. I’m here to make money, make a living. This is my job now. I was so ready for this. Everyone says ‘Octagon jitters.’ That’s because they’re not ready. There’s no reason to rush this process. If you’re a young fighter out there, take your time. Wait until you’re ready. I was so comfortable in back. I was so comfortable this whole week.

It’s been pointed out to me that [McGregor] tweeted tonight about my fight. Real recognize real. That dude’s a warrior, I’m a warrior. If I get the interim belt around my waist — I’ve only got to do that maybe one or two more times, and then, like I said, I’m not going to ask for the money fight; I’m going to be the money fight. You sound like a little b**** when you ask for the money fight.

I’m going to earn it, one at a time. I don’t care who’s next. I want to fight Ferguson, but he’ll probably say I’m not worthy. He lost to Michael Johnson. I just finished him. So he’ll be full of s*** when he says that.

And Ferguson is game.

https://twitter.com/TonyFergusonXT/status/883713042629799938