Second-ranked lightweight contender Justin Gaethje doesn’t believe that Islam Makhachev deserves a title shot next. He is of this belief, as the Dagestan native has yet to compete against any of the top-tier fighters in the UFC’s lightweight division.

‘The Highlight’ is fresh from his recent win over Michael Chandler. Both the men lived up to the hype and delivered a classic fight at UFC 268.

Ever since then, the 33-year-old is firm on believing he deserves the next shot at the UFC lightweight gold. Meanwhile, Makhachev, who is currently on a nine-fight undefeated streak, is also in the picture.

However, ‘The Highlight’ feels that Makhachev needs to do more to earn the shot. In an episode of UFC Unfiltered, Gaethje said, “Makhachev fought No. 14, went to No. 5, and fought a late replacement in Dan Hooker.”

“It wasn’t Dan Hooker on a full camp. It does not count as much, but still, it’s two top 15 guys, none in the top five, only one in the top 10. That’s not how this sh*t works.”

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“Do your f**king job, fight these guys, and Beneil Dariush is right here. And I like the dude, he’s my friend, so you know I’m just going to jump over this man and expect to get a title shot when the No. 3 guy is Beneil Dariush. Handle that. That has to be handled.”

Makhachev currently holds the #4 position in the lightweight roster, i.e. one spot below Beneil Dariush. Hence, ‘The Highlight’ wants him to fight the latter first to map his way to the title.

Islam Makhachev Proposes a Solution for Justin Gaethje

Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier will soon clash against each other inside the cage for the 155lbs title at UFC 269. However, even before this fight, there is a lot going on in the division regarding who will face the winner of the title fight.

Gaethje and Makhachev are both demanding to fight the winner. However, as ‘The Highlight’ doesn’t see Makhachev anywhere near the lightweight crown, the Russian star had a solution for the American fighter.

Makhachev took a shot at Gaethje and tweeted, “So we’ll go to war.” 

However, he received no response.

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As many believe ‘The Highlight’ holds the strongest position on the roster, Makhachev may have to bide his time. Given how things stand, fighting the #3 contender Beneil Dariush now seems the only viable option for Makhachev. If he fights and beats Dariush, he will check the box of – win against a top-tier opponent.

What are your thoughts on Gaethje’s words? Who do you think should fight the winner of Oliviera vs Poirier? Let us know in the comments below.