Justin Gaethje Still Wants That Fight With Al Iaquinta
Justin Gaethje is not called “The Highlight” for nothing. Upon entering the UFC, he earned both “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” in his first fight. Every fight after, win or lose he still earned the same recognition, win or lose, Gaethje puts his name in any post-fight reports that come after the final round of his fights in the UFC.
However, while being both entertaining and tough the number seven-ranked lightweight in the UFC’s rankings would like some more upward movement. Gaethje has not fought since his win over James Vick at UFC Fight Night 135 in Nebraska last August where Gaethje won by knockout in the first round. Gaethje was supposed to face Al Iaquinta back then but Iaquinta withdrew from the bout over contract negations and that move left Gaethje frustrated according to ESPN.
Gaethje on Iaquinta: “One day, I’m either going to make Al quit or he’s going to have to fight me.”
Anyone that has followed Gaethje’s career from his days in the WSOF knows he would prefer to stay active and will fight whoever is put in front of him, but considering the way he does it he should be treated more like an asset to the UFC. Gaethje told ESPN his “of the Night” accolades, “sounds good to fans, but I don’t get a damn thing for that.”
Yeah I want that little raging bitch
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) December 16, 2018
Gaethje says he is paid well by the UFC but knows he has “earned every bit of it” and fans would likely agree. He expects to return to action in March and seems to be eyeing a fight with Edson Barboza since he considers him a “scary fight”, but says he “likes being scared.” Either way, as long as Iaquinta is ranked above him (currently number four) he wants to try to get that fight back.
