Justin Gaethje explains path to lightweight title shot with win at UFC 291
Top-ranked UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje explained his path to a lightweight title shot with a win over rival Dustin Poirier at UFC 291.
Gaethje takes on Poirier in a rematch at UFC 291 in July, with the winner taking home the BMF title. On top of that, Gaethje believes the winner could get a lightweight title shot against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Speaking on the “DC & RC” podcast, Gaethje said that he believes a title shot would be next for him if he gets past Poirier at UFC 291 and if Charles Oliveira defeats Beneil Dariush at UFC 289. If Dariush wins, Gaethje believes he will be next in line for Makhachev, but with a loss, “The Highlight” sees a clear path to the belt for him.
“These rankings are for a reason. They might not be as legit as we think they are, but he’s No. 2, I’m No. 3. No. 1 is fighting No. 4, and the champion needs someone to fight. I think if Dariush wins, he’s going to fight (Makhachev) in October, and the winner of that fight will fight the winner of this fight. If Oliveira (wins), I think one of us is going to be right back into camp,” Gaethje said (via MMAjunkie.com).
“I don’t want to put myself in a position where I’ve got to think if I lose, but I wouldn’t imagine because the fire is not gone. When I talk in those hyperboles, I’m talking about the future. I’m talking about the reality of the situation. I’m 35 fights into a career. I’m 34 years old. There’s plenty examples of going too long, and I have people around me that love me that are going to prevent that. I trust them, and when they want to have that conversation, I’ll listen to them. For right now, we’re full steam ahead.”
A win over Poirier would give Gaethje three straight victories over Michael Chandler, Rafael Fiziev, and a former interim champ in Poirier, so he would be well deserving of a title shot should Dariush — who has won eight straight fights — loses to Oliveira.
Who do you think emerges victorious at UFC 291, Justin Gaethje or Dustin Poirier?
