Justin Gaethje has declared that the only opponent he is interested in facing is lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Gaethje stunned Tony Ferguson by snapping his record-breaking lightweight run at UFC 249 on Saturday (May 9).
‘The Highlight’ well and truly lived up to his name at UFC 249 as he systematically broke down the man known as the ‘Boogeyman’ of the lightweight division with a clinical striking display.
UFC President Dana White had promised the winner of the Gaethje versus Ferguson fight a shot at Nurmagomedov.
A highly emotional Gaethje made his intentions very clear. Nothing but a shot at the Russian – who has 28 wins and no losses to his name – would do.
Before his post-fight interview with commentator Joe Rogan, Gaethje removed the belt from his waist after White clipped it on and proceeded to hurl it onto the ground in disgust. When asked by Rogan why he decided to throw the belt onto the floor, Gaethje simply said he wanted to wait for the real one.
“I’ve been fighting the best in the world, Khabib is the best in the world,” Gaethje said.
“I’ve been working since I was four years old for challenges like this and I am happy to represent the United States of America against Dagestan or Russia’s best.
“He is 28-0 and there is no other challenge I want right now, I want to fight him,” he roared.
It did not take long for the Russian to respond to the call out, although it remains to be seen where or when a fight could take place, with ‘The Eagle’ currently grounded in his home country.
Although fans had clamored to see the unbeaten champion defend his belt against Ferguson, Gaethje has since leapfrogged him in the rankings to become the number one contender in the division.
Nurmagomedov is currently observing Ramadan and confirmed he is planning to return later this month.
