Off the again of his UFC 311 victory final weekend, Islam Makhachev has recognized soon-to-return former interim titleholder, Justin Gaethje as a really perfect opponent for him subsequent — urging the previous to return to successful methods at UFC 313 in March to safe himself a summer time title shot.
Islam Makhachev, the present undisputed light-weight champion and pound-for-pound primary beneath the banner of the promotion, returned to motion final weekend in the primary occasion of UFC 311.
Assembly with Brasilia favourite, Renato Moicano on only a day’s discover after the withdrawal from slated opponent, Arman Tsarukyan, Russian star, Islam Makhachev stopped the previous with a primary spherical D’Arce choke submission win on the Intuit Dome in California.
Justin Gaethje provided summer time title battle by Islam Makhachev
And linked with a title rematch towards both the above-mentioned, Tsarukyan or former champion, Charles Oliveira, Islam Makahchev shut down a title conflict with each subsequent, as a substitute providing Gaethje a shot at his throne must be beat Dan Hooker over 5 rounds at UFC 313 in two months’ time.
“I like this idea because I haven’t fought Justin (Gaethje) yet… I’ve already fought [Oliveira and Tsarukyan], and preparing for the same opponent is not such a big motivation,” Islam Makhachev advised Ushatayka throughout a current interview. “But if Gaethje shows himself well in the next fight, we can meet.”
Islam Makhachev expresses curiosity in a battle towards Justin Gaethje, and is focusing on a return in July 👀
“I like this idea because I haven’t fought Justin yet… I’ve already fought [Oliveira and Arman], and preparing for the same opponent is not such a big motivation.
But if… pic.twitter.com/Eurpehs6yA
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 26, 2025
Himself sidelined since he featured on the primary card of UFC 300 final 12 months, Arizona striker, Gaethje most just lately dropped the symbolic BMF championship in a shocking fifth spherical buzzer-beating knockout loss to former featherweight gold holder, Max Holloway in Las Vegas.
Booked to co-headline UFC 313 in March, Gaethje will tackle Metropolis Kickboxing striker, Hooker — who boldly claims he’s a “dangerous” opponent for him to be dealing with in his return to motion.
“I’m a Justin Gaethje fan, and yeah, obviously appreciate him taking this fight, obviously,” Dan Hooker advised Submission Radio throughout a current interview. “Like, it’s a dangerous fight for him. I respect them for I respect them for accepting this fight. When I feel like there would have been easier fights for him out there. So credit credit to him and his team.”
“He’s got some beautiful counters, some beautiful leads and yeah, I think his skill is, is often underestimated by a lot of fans, which I feel like, as is mine,” Dan Hooker defined. “Yeah, it’s it’s more. Like, I know full well that it’s two fighters that in there that are either going to win or they’re going to guard on the shield, they’re going to die trying. There’s two fighters that that step in. They’re prepared to die and have accepted that and who are at peace with that. That’s why the fans are so excited for this fight and That’s why I’m excited for this flight. So it’s it’s either win or I go out swinging. That’s that’s the two ways at this end.”
