“I Felt Absolutely Nothing”- Justin Gaethje on Winning the Interim Title

The UFCs Lightweight Division has an all-new title contender and Interim Champion, Justin Gaethje. “The Highlight” locked horns with Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 to decide who will face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the title.

Gaethje came in with a plan directed towards beating “El Cucuy”. And his brilliant execution and meticulous technique helped him to secure the win against Ferguson.

He landed devastating strikes right at the temple of Ferguson, who took much, much more damage than any other fighter could have. Even though Tony didn’t seem at his best and received heavy punishment in the form of Gaethje’s measured yet devastating blows, the fight only came to a stop in round 5.

However, Gaethje does not seem all that thrilled about the Interim Title. This became evident when he threw the belt as soon as he received it. This is what he said to Bret Okamoto in an interview regarding the same:

“I know the task ahead. That[championship] was my mindset. That [interim title] was not planned. When I’m in that competition mindset, I’m just different I guess. Outside of that, I definitely want it. To be able to take it home, show [it to] all the kids. Let my parents enjoy it… I want the belt for those experiences.”

Justin Gaethje did not feel anything “special” when he won the Interim Title

Gaethje had even stated before the fight that the Interim Belt is just a map to the real thing. This is why he apparently did not feel anything unique when Dana White put the belt around him. He said,

“I felt absolutely nothing when it went around my waist.”

Nevertheless, Gaethje admits that scenario won’t be the same if and when he wins the Lightweight Championship. When Bret asked him what would happen if he won the title against Khabib Nurmagomedov in September, Gaethje said, “I might cry”.

A brief and ample description of what one goes through when one achieves the fruit of a lifetime of hard work. Gathje has repeatedly said that he has worked his entire life for moments like this. Ever since he was 4, he worked hard for achieving greatness in his field.

And now, his time to shine arrives in a spectacular and dynamic fashion. And all because of commitment and dedicated perseverance.

Do you think that Gathje will be able to reach his “crying point” by beating The Eagle?