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‘Justin Gaethje Should Be Fighting Charles Oliveira Next’- Ali Abdelaziz Makes a Bizarre Claim

ByKevin Binoy

Modified Jul 17, 2021 | 3:17 AM EDT

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Newly crowned champion Charles Oliveira will defend his belt for the first time later this year or in early 2022. His first title defense will most likely be against Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier following his win over Conor McGregor at UFC 264. A fight against Poirier is the fight to make given he is on a three-fight win streak and ranked #1 in at 155-pounds.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, however, does not see it the same way. In a recent interview, he made the case for a title fight between Oliveira and Gaethje. He said, “I believe Justin Gaethje should be fighting Charles Oliveira next. That’s what I believe. Dustin maybe needs to take a break (and) let these two guys handle. I know the UFC wants to make Chandler.”

Abdelaziz continued, “I think Mike Chandler doesn’t deserve nothing. He’s 1-1. He was knocked out in Bellator at 145. On paper, it’s a great fight, but Mike Chandler doesn’t deserve anything. He needs to be quiet, sit down, and if Justin decides to fight him, he’ll let him know. But Mike Chandler doesn’t deserve anything” (h/t MMA Junkie)

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Does Justin Gaethje deserve a title shot against Charles Oliveira?

Following his win over Conor McGregor at UFC 257, Dustin Poirier stated he knew the rematch would be next. Therefore, ‘The Diamond’ never let his foot off the gas and continued training after a few days off. Therefore, it is unlikely that we will see ‘The Diamond’ back in action anytime soon, given he has earned a well-needed break from the sport.

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‘Do Bronx’ secured his title win in May this year and will be eager to make his first title defense. The common consensus is that a potential fight between Poirier and Oliveira would take place towards the tail-end of this year or towards the first half of next year.

Given that Gaethje fought for the title in his last outing and was stopped by Khabib Nurmagomedov, it is unlikely that the UFC would match Oliveira against ‘The Highlight’ for his first title defense.

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What do you make of Ali Abdelaziz’s suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!