UFC 294 has concluded, with Islam Makhachev solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest lightweight fighters to ever step into the UFC arena. The Russian professional mixed martial artist achieved this feat by defeating Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski twice within the span of just one year. However, within the lightweight division, there’s another formidable name on the horizon, waiting to stake his claim for the lightweight title, and that is none other than the BMF titleholder, Justin Gaethje.

Makhachev’s Sambo skills and the Dagestani fighting style are nothing new to ‘The Highlight.’ Gaethje has already faced Khabib Nurmagomedov, and although he lost that fight, he earned high praise from ‘The Eagle’, who claimed that Gaethje’s punches felt like being hit by a truck. Nevertheless, Gaethje is determined to stake his claim on the lightweight title by setting up a bout with Makhachev.

Justin Gaethje’s challenge to Islam Makhachev backfires on him

‘The Highlight’ won the BMF title in July in spectacular fashion and was awaiting the winner of Makhachev vs. Oliveira. However, with Oliveira out due to injury, it seems that Gaethje is looking forward to having a title fight for himself. Makhachev might be looking for a new opponent after his masterclass against Alexander Volkanovski.

‘The Highlight’ was present at UFC 294 to witness the spectacular event. After the fight concluded, Gaethje, in a post-fight show, called out Islam Makhachev for a fight. He said,  “I’ve said he’s not Khabib, but maybe he might be. So, I just want to go out there and figure it out.”

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Gaethje’s random callout to Makhachev seems to have backfired on the fighters. Fans took to the internet to express their opinion on Gaethje’s callout. Some of the comments of the fans are as follows;

One fan wrote, Wait your turn, Charles is next!

Another went on to explain what a real BMF is, Gaethje isn’t a BMF. A real BMF would’ve stepped in for Oliveira. Gaethje had the chance to step in for Oliveira but he declined. Not to mention he always quits in big fights.

While others wrote,

Rather see Gaethje v Islam than DoBronx

Justin needs to stop fighting and save the last 420 brainless he has left……. All Respect 

Hey justin، We don’t get a title shot by beatin a low level fighter like dustin

gaethje needa stop dickslobbering, islam is beatable and so is khabib

Justin could put Islam on his ass on the feet!

Read More: Dana White Snubs Team Khabib to Decide Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje’s Demands as Islam Makhachev Wants an Opponent Post-UFC 294

It is clear from the reactions of the fans that they are not amused by Justin Gaethje’s move. They rather claim that ‘The Highlight’ has to wait till Charles Oliveira gets his chance for the title. Nonetheless, it is not only the fans who think that the latter should get the shot before Gaethje; Dana White seems to have the same opinion as well.

Dana White picks Charles Oliveira over Justin Gaethje

Dana White seems to have made his pick for the fate of the lightweight division. As per White, Charles Oliviera stands closer to a title fight than Justin Gaethje. While having a post-fight press conference under the pretext of UFC 294. The CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Dana White, stated, “Listen, you’ve got to give it to Oliveira. Oliveira is ready to go; unfortunately, he got a cut. I think we give it to Oliveira. But again, these are all questions that I really can’t answer right now. We get home, we figure it out, and see what’s next for everybody.”

Watch this story: Charles Oliveira Wants Conor McGregor Fight

With Dana White setting the stage for Charles Olivera, what do you think? When will Justin Gaethje get the title shot? Tell us about your opinion in the comments below.