Justin Gaethje hopes 2024 will lastly convey him a long-awaited title shot at reigning UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev.
Following wins over Rafael Fiziev and Dustin Poirier this previous yr, Gaethje turned the No. 1 contender within the division nevertheless it appeared he would nonetheless have to attend for his alternative after Charles Oliveira acquired booked towards Makhachev in October. Oliviera in the end fell out of the combat after he suffered a grotesque lower throughout coaching that prevented him from competing and UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski changed him on quick discover.
Now Gaethje needs his likelihood to face Makhachev within the new yr since Oliveira already fell out of a scheduled rematch.
“Ready on the decision,” Gaethje wrote on Twitter. “Prepared when you find yourself UFC, Dana White. Let’s see who can kick the others head off first Islam Makhachev.
“‘Do Bronx’ [Charles Oliveira] had his shot and didn’t present up for the rematch. It’s what it’s.”
The pinnacle kick reference pays homage to Gaethje knocking out Poirier with a vicious shot again in July that put him close to the highest of the light-weight rankings. In the meantime, Makhachev delivered one in all his personal within the rematch with Volkanovski once they clashed for the second time in October.
For his half, Makhachev had beforehand referred to as for brand spanking new competitors slightly than searching for out rematches towards previous opponents like Oliviera so it looks like he’s on the identical web page as Gaethje.
So far as buying and selling head kicks, Makhachev despatched a not so refined warning to Gaethje a couple of potential showdown ought to they meet within the close to future.
“I can do greater than kicking,” Makhachev wrote in response. “Watch out.”
The UFC has but to formally guide Makhachev’s subsequent title protection so it’s unimaginable to know for sure who will land the combat with him. Makhachev sometimes doesn’t compete throughout Ramadan, which works from March 10 to April 9 in 2024 so which may stop him from preventing on the historic UFC 300 card on April 13, however he hasn’t addressed any attainable dates but for his return.
