After almost two decades in the sport and several major setbacks, Justin Gaethje has finally reached the pinnacle following his UFC title win in June. As his days in the sport are nearing their end, Gaethje named Conor McGregor as his ideal legacy fight.
‘The Highlight’ has been a sensation, unlike anything ever seen before since joining the UFC in 2017. Wins over the likes of Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, and Ilia Topuria are impressive, but it’s the manner in which he fights that has made him a lovable addition to the sport. The 37-year-old welcomes car crashes and thrives in the chaos once the octagon doors close, challenging opponents to prove that they have more heart, determination, and killer instinct than he does. The past nine years in the UFC have been a roller coaster for avid Gaethje followers, but unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.
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Before the final chapter of Justin Gaethje’s illustrious career is written, he wants to add one more milestone to his story. Now in the driver’s seat as the UFC lightweight champion, Gaethje is done enjoying his time away from competing and is ready to step back in and defend his throne.
“[My time off has] been really nice. Lots of traveling. Lots of traveling and lots of good food,” Gaethje said. “I had to make a lot of sacrifices fighting in January and June. So, I got to make up all the holidays to my family. So, I got like three Arizona trips coming up.”
“Man, it’s such a weird place to be in, you know. There’s always been a champion. I always had somebody to chase. So, now being the champion, it’s like I just have to retain and hold on to what I have. I’m not looking at specific opponents. I know the best in the world are gunning for me, and that is the name of the game. So, I know it’s going to be one of the best guys in the world… There are a couple of big fights [coming up] that are going to determine who I’ll fight next.”
Earlier in the year, Justin Gaethje was consumed by the thought of avenging his losses to both Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira. Now, Gaethje has had a change of heart.
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Instead of revenge, Gaethje has his sights set on a legacy fight against Conor McGregor.
“If I could pick anybody that I fought in my career before, who would I fight again? Damn, there’s really no one,” Gaethje continued. “It would have been Oliveira or Holloway, but since Topuria beat them, I’m going to go ahead and justify it to myself like I got them back.”
“So, I guess McGregor. Yeah. It’d be fun to shut him up.”
