Justin Gaethje shook up the world after he avenged his defeat against Dustin Poirier. It was inevitable for him to have a shot at the title— until it wasn’t. In a recent turn of events, the former interim lightweight champion is set to face Max Holloway. Their bout is going to take place at UFC 300 which is speculated to be a spectacle for the ages. If the match-up was not exciting enough, then rest assured, the stakes are quite high as, the ‘Baddest Motherf*cker Belt,’ is on the line.

However, this news has been perceived in all sorts of ways. Amidst the hype, the lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev finds himself in the centre of scrutiny. Why? Because the fans blame him for “ducking” Gaethje. The reactions are quite hostile, to say the least. But there is a lot more to it than meets the eye.

All fingers pointing at Islam Makhachev

This fight was not expected. Only a week ago, it was speculated that Makhachev and the American combatant were set to go down at UFC 300. However, it is safe to say that it is not on the cards anymore and some fans are not so pleased with it.

A man draws a comparison with his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov because the two have a history of pulling out of fights numerous times. He stated, “⁠Islam is better at ducking than fighting just like Khabib.”

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Meanwhile, one fan questions why Islam Makhachev only competes in the territorial jurisdiction of Abu Dhabi. He stated, “Islam only fighting in Abu Dhabi? 😂 what a clown”

On similar lines, another fan slams the champion for not fighting formidable men, saying, “Islam will fight anybody except top lightweights. But still calls himself the lightweight champ. Smh”

Another fan has some harsh words for the Dagestani. He stated, “⁠⁠Islam is an all-time ducker”

Last but not least, one fan points out how he has managed to gain prestige without fighting ranked opponents, “Islam is the only fighter to be #1 P4P yet only beat 1 top 10 fighter in his own weight class.” 

Fans are evidently not so pleased with the lightweight champion. To an extent, it is warranted as the fans were expecting him to face the contender and only recently, his manager had confirmed this news.

Ali Abdelaziz on Makhachev vs Gaethje

Only a few days ago, their common manager Ali Abdelaziz gave a green signal for this knock. Not to mention, he even promulgated the same praise for the lightweight contender. In addition, he made all coherent points as to why the fight makes sense. He stated, “Justin Gaethje is a guy [who has] never been given what he wants. He earned it with sweat blood and tears inside the cage. Islam is very interested in fighting in him. 

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This just goes to show that nothing is guaranteed in the sport of MMA. What went on behind the scenes? We do not know. However, we do know that Gaethje is set to face the former featherweight champion. So, we ask you, how do you see that fight playing out? Share with us your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

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