Newly crowned UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has set his sights on a high-profile showdown with Conor McGregor for his title defense.
Following a career-defining knockout victory over Ilia Topuria, Gaethje believes he has effectively cleared out top-tier competition in the division.
Settling old scores through proxy
Addressing past stoppage losses to former champions Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway, Gaethje offered a unique perspective. Because Topuria had previously defeated both Holloway and Oliveira, Gaethje considers his victory over Topuria as indirect redemption against both rivals.
“It would have been Oliveira or Holloway but since Topuria beat them, I’m going to go ahead and justify it to myself like I got them back. So I guess McGregor. Fun to shut him up,” said Justin Gaethje.
McGregor’s return and pay-per view appeal
McGregor recently made his Octagon return but his comeback was cut short after suffering a serious knee injury against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.
Despite McGregor’s recent setbacks, a matchup between the two remains one of the largest potentials pay-per-view drawn in MMA history.
Recovery delays push fight to 2027
Fans will have to wait for this potential blockbuster clash. Gaethje is currently nursing hand injuries sustained during his title win over Topuria, while McGregor continues to recover from his knee injury.
Both fighters are not expected to return to action until 2027, leaving the division to monitor other top contenders in the interim.
