Justin Gaethje returned to the Octagon late this previous winter on the UFC’s third pay-per-view occasion in Las Vegas. Throughout UFC 313 from T-Cell Area, Gaethje battled Rafael Fiziev (12-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) within the co-main occasion of the night
“The Spotlight” lasted quarter-hour, besting Fiziev by means of unanimous determination to run his report to 26-5 within the sport and 9-5 within the UFC. Fiziev’s defeat to Gaethje was his third in succession. Previous to the March 8 contest, Rafael Fiziev had rattled off six victories in a row.
Provided that he had outlasted Fiziev lower than three months in the past and beforehand received the interim belt at 155 in 2020, one would assume {that a} shot on the UFC Light-weight Championship could be within the offing for Justin Gaethje.
Jon Anik Opens Up on Justin Gaethje Being Left Out of Title Plans
This proved to not be the case, nonetheless. On the night time of June 28 from the selfsame T-Cell Area in Las Vegas, UFC 317 will happen to conclude the 2025 model of UFC Worldwide Struggle Week.
On the prime of the invoice on that second Saturday night time of summer time, the newly-vacant UFC Light-weight Championship can be at stake in the principle occasion. Now-former UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) will transfer up from the 145-lb division and put his undefeated report in danger in opposition to “Do Bronx”, Charles Oliveira (35-10, 1 NC MMA, 23-10, 1 NC UFC.)
UFC blow-by-blow commentator Jon Anik talked about that Justin Gaethje wasn’t too happy with the promotion’s plans for the primary PPV of the summer time months on the Monday episode of his podcast with Kenny Florian.
“He was pissed,” Jon Anik started. “He seems like he was actually handed over for this chance in opposition to Ilia Topuria and I believe what Justin Gaethje and his supervisor, Ali Abdelaziz, are in search of is just a few form of assure that they are going to be subsequent.”
Anik Understands The place Justin Gaethje is Coming From
In his feedback, Jon Anik additionally remarked that Justin Gaethje’s calls for for a shot on the UFC Light-weight Championship are cheap.
“I don’t assume it’s a loopy request for Justin [to ask for a lightweight title shot],” he mentioned. “Having carried out what he did in opposition to Rafael Fiziev, staying on the struggle card, not combating Dan Hooker, getting a win, distance from the UFC 300 end result, proper? By the best way, he fought at UFC 300 to assist the UFC, when he may have fought for the undisputed championship at the moment. I wouldn’t be shocked if Gaethje will get some sort of assure that he’s subsequent for the Topuria [versus] Oliveira winner, however I can inform you that he was not thrilled.”
Justin Gaethje’s time for a shot on the UFC Light-weight Championship will undoubtedly come, however it’s a little bit stunning that he hasn’t gotten the decision to struggle for the crown at 155 already. His resume speaks volumes as to why Gaethje needs to be among the many shortlist for the brand new champion’s preliminary protection of the belt.
Winner of Topuria vs. Oliveira Tilt Ought to Put together for Justin Gaethje
With the win at UFC 313 this previous winter, Justin Gaethje picked up one other $50,000 (USD) post-fight bonus for the Struggle of the Evening Award. All through his tenure within the UFC, he’s scored a post-fight bonus no fewer than 14 occasions.
Statistically talking, Gaethje has accomplished his efficiently accomplished his task earlier than the ultimate horn most of the time. Of his 26 profession wins, solely 5 have needed to be confirmed by means of the judges’ scorecards after the marketed most variety of rounds.
When Justin Gaethje touches down within the host metropolis of a UFC occasion for struggle week, you may wager that you simply’ll be handled to a cracking affair on Saturday night time. He’s a fan favourite and has been such for a very long time.
Remaining Ideas
Though Justin Gaethje goes to overlook out on an opportunity to assert the light-weight championship on a everlasting foundation proper earlier than Independence Day, he’s firmly within the combine for the subsequent UFC Light-weight Championship struggle after UFC 317. The championship at 155 can be on the road on June 28.
Within the days afterward, Topuria or Oliveira might want to hunker down and begin eager about their opponent for the protection of the title. It may very effectively be Justin Gaethje for the winner on the finish of this 12 months or early subsequent 12 months.
