Justin Gaethje proved to be the ultimate opportunist at UFC 249. He accepted a fight for the Interim Lightweight Championship at short notice. Later, he shocked the world in the main event with a TKO win over Tony Ferguson to become the Interim Champion. However, the Lightweight fighter has decided not to rest on his laurels. He declared who he wants to as his next challenge. 

“The Winner Will Fight Khabib For the Title”- Dana White Makes a Huge Statement

Justin Gaethje calls out Khabib Nurmagomedov 

Speaking to Joe Rogan in the post-fight Octagon interview, ‘The Highlight’ said he wants to face Khabib Nurmagomedov. 

“Khabib is the best in the world. I’ve been working since I was four for challenges like this and I’m happy to represent the United States of America against Dagestan or Russia’s best. He’s 28-0 and there’s no other challenge I want right now. I want to fight him.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was watching the event closely, has been active on Twitter. He responded to ‘The Highlight’ calling him out.

‘The Eagle’ is expected to make a return to the Octagon in the summer with a unification bout. ‘The Highlight’ has long been regarded as the one true challenger to ‘The Eagle’ due to his grappling background. 

However, he did not give fans a sneak peek of it in the main event. ‘The Highlight’ landed a plethora of leg kicks and clean left hands to bust ‘El Cucuy’ open in many places. 

The commentators remarked on how the average opponent would have gone down to any single one of ‘The Highlight’s blows. The Interim Lightweight Champion dominated so much that it led to Joe Rogan observed, “we’re used to seeing Tony Ferguson’s opponents look like that.”

‘The Eagle’ is 28-0 and will be a tougher challenge. He will look to take the fight to the ground and not allow ‘The Highlight’ to have a vertical base to land his punches. 

Can Justin Gaethje shock the world yet again and clinch his 5th win on the trot when he fights Khabib Nurmagomedov? Also, when do you think the unification bout will take place?