How does Justin Gaethje compare Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson? Against whom does Gaethje have a higher chance of winning? The ‘Highlight’ himself gives the verdict.

After Khabib Nurmagomedov pulled out of UFC 249, Gaethje stepped in as a replacement. He will face off against the ‘Boogeyman,’ Tony Ferguson on May 9 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.

If Gaethje wins, he will fight Khabib for the undisputed strap later this year. He could potentially ruin a mega-fight between Ferguson and the Russian superstar. Unsurprisingly, Gaethje is more than willing to do it.

“I’ll be happy to ruin it for everybody!” Gaethje told Dan Hardy on Open Mat (Via BT Sport).

Justin Gaethje would have never fought Khabib Nurmagomedov

As far as a matchup with Khabib is concerned, Justin believes that he would not have taken a short-notice fight with the Dagestani.

“I believe I wouldn’t have taken the fight with Khabib on short-notice,” Gaethje said. “In order to get taken down once or twice by Khabib, and work up and still be able to fight, I really do need at least 10 weeks.

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“I have been training (for) my whole life. But there is certain lactic acid that builds up that you really have to account for. I’ll be foolish (to fight Khabib on a short-notice).”

Gaethje believes that he has a better chance of winning against Tony Ferguson

While most people would be afraid to compete with Ferguson even with a full training camp, Gaethje claims that his chances of winning against Tony are better than his chances against Khabib.

“Matchup wise, I believe I have a better chance of touching Tony’s chin than Khabib in the first two-three rounds.”

Furthermore, he acknowledged that these are not the perfect circumstances to fight anyone. Nevertheless, he said that having five weeks to train is much better than fighting on a fourteen-day notice. Previously, Gaethje asserted that he is not a fan of short-notice fights. Yet, he stated that one must do whatever it needs to become a champion.

ALSO READ: “Just a Little Bit of Respect Would Be Great”- Justin Gaethje Upset With the UFC

How do you think Justin Gaethje will perform on a short notice against Tony Ferguson?