“We’re Fighting for the Opportunity to Represent America Against Khabib”-Justin Gaethje

Feelings of excitement and apprehension surround us as we enter fight week ahead of UFC 249. Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje are looking to square off at the much-awaited event.

The Coronavirus epidemic forced Khabib Nurmagomedov out of the initial fight card, leaving fans all over the world disappointed.

However, Ferguson taking on Gaethje gives American citizens another excuse to be excited about the upcoming event. An all American main event.

Both Justin Gaethje and Tony Ferguson are going into the fight with a similar attitude. “We’re fighting for the opportunity to represent America against Khabib. That’s what I’m fighting for,” said Gaethje

Several fans believe that  Gaethje and Ferguson are not fighting for the interim title, but the UFC Lightweight title itself. They justify these claims by saying that Khabib failed to show up for the fight when it actually mattered.

Expecting Khabib to defy international travel sanctions just to defend his lightweight title, seems like an absurd notion. As far as Gaethje is concerned, a win over El Cucuy will not propel him to the top of the division.

“The interim belt means for me that you’ll be recognized as the No. 2 man in the world. Khabib can’t fight right now, so these are the two baddest man in the weight class fighting this weekend for the right to call themselves the best then ultimately challenge Khabib,” said Gaethje as he refuses to crown himself the champion just yet.

Why Tony Ferguson’s Take on the Matter Varies to that of Justin Gaethje

Tony Ferguson shares the same patriotic attitude as his opponent. However, El Cucuy is not ready to give the Dagestani fighter a pass just yet.

Ferguson’s take to Nurmagomedov backing out of the fight could be well-founded, considering the number of times this matchup has failed to materialize. Because Khabib’s absence at UFC 249 means Ferguson will be fighting for the interim title, yet again.

UFC 249 marks the second time El Cucuy will be competing for the interim title. Ferguson won his first interim title back in 2017 after beating Kevin Lee.

A freak injury forced Ferguson out of a title fight against Khabib forcing the UFC to strip him of his interim title. In the aftermath of Ferguson’s injury, Khabib went on to take on Al Iaquinta and becoming the undisputed lightweight champion.

Do you think Ferguson should share Gaethje’s perspective when it comes to Khabib?