https://www.mmanews.com/news/ufc/justin-gaethje-dana-white-ufc-title-shot/
Justin Gaethje is campaigning for what could be his final shot at the undisputed UFC lightweight title.
After nearly a year away from the Octagon, Gaethje made his highly anticipated return last Saturday, accepting a short-notice rematch against Rafael Fiziev in the UFC 313 co-main event. He battled through adversity to earn a unanimous decision victory over “Ataman.”
Back in the win column, “The Highlight” rebounded from his heartbreaking last-second knockout loss to Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 300 in April. The former interim UFC 155-pound champion confidently maintained that defeating Fiziev could put him right back in the title conversation.
On Tuesday, Gaethje took to social media to make his case for a third crack at the undisputed gold, urging UFC CEO Dana White to grant him the opportunity. He argued that his setback to “Blessed” shouldn’t stand in the way of his championship ambitions.
“I won 3 out of my last 4, only losing in an exhibition fight. I have to fight for the belt. @danawhite I am ready,” Justin Gaethje wrote.
The 36-year-old Arizona native has come up short in two previous title bids, falling to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in October 2020 and Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 in May 2022. Undeterred, Justin Gaethje has long set his sights on a showdown with reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Interestingly, at the UFC 313 post-fight press conference, White subtly signaled his approval of “The Highlight” jumping ahead of Arma
If they dont fast track Topuria, may as well be Justin. Him vs Islam could be competitive.
How many times do we have to watch Justin, Dustin and Charles get their ass kicked by Muslims?
Topuria must be good to go cause there hasn’t been a peep about his supposed back problem.
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I would prefer Gaethje vs Topuria for the Title Shot before giving Gaethje a 3rd shot at it
The timeframe would work if they set it up now since Islam fought in January so his track record as of late would have around 6 months between fights.
Sucks for Arman he really sent himself to the back of the line it seems
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They always talk about how deep the talent pool is at LW but insist on giving a guy that’s 9-5 in the org. title shot after title shot.
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Yeah I was against them giving Topuria an immediate LW Title Shot but looking at the Top 5 LWs currently ranked it might be the most appealing match up other than Arman but he fumbled it which sent him back
#1 Arman -fucked himself by pulling out 48hrs before the fight
#2 Charles -lost to the guy who fucked himself
#3 Dustin -retired already lol
#4 Justin -had 2 shots already and is 0-2 on LW Title shots
#5 Max Holloway -I was surprised to even see this ranking here
When breaking it down I would put Arman at the front but I think they might punish him with a longer path after he pulled out of his Title Shot. So if he is not at the front then fuck it if I was matchmaker I’m going Gaethje vs Topuria for the shot
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Yep, between Khabib and Islam the division is so stale.
Islam is amazing. But he stole the excitement the division had with Charles as champ. When Charles was in Charge, that was the most exciting the division had been in years.
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Good call
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Let em bang bro.
Hes earned it. He aint beatin Islam, but give him the shot so he can retire.
Motherfucker gave his life to this sport for pur entertainment.
Let em live.
Nah give Topuria Arman. Give Charlie Olives the next shot, then give gathje the following shot. Then the winner of Arman vs Ilia can get the 3rd third shot.
Plan out a whole year.
Gathje amd Charlie are soon to retire.
Let em bang, one last run.
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