Gaethje Predicts Conor Vs. Cerrone: ‘I Will Pray That Cowboy Knocks Him Out’

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

All eyes will be on Conor McGregor and Donald Cerrone as the two combat stars lock horns at UFC 246 on Jan. 18 from Las Vegas, Nevada, in a massive welterweight main event.

Remember, this is the first time McGregor is stepping back inside of the cage since getting choked out by Khabib Nurmagomedov back at UFC 229. It will also be the first time “Notorious” is competing at 170 pounds since his two fights with Nate Diaz back in 2016.

Needless to say, all will be watching at UFC 246 to see McGregor make another walk to the Octagon and try to recapture his promotional stranglehold. One fighter who will be watching more closely than others is none other than standout lightweight contender Justin Gaethje, who is coming off a recent knockout finish over “Cowboy” this past September.

While Gaethje has voiced his dislike for McGregor and the way he conducts business, “Highlight” can’t help but respect the elite striking of the Irishman. So even though he has a friendship with Cerrone outside of the cage, Gaethje is leaving towards McGregor for UFC 246’s main event.

“I’m sure I would lean towards Conor, you know distance management and timing are super, super valuable, and that’s what I think was the big key to my success in that fight [my last fight against Cowboy] and I think that’s going to be a factor in this fight. But I will pray many times over that Cowboy knocks him out,” Gaethje told “MMA Tonight” on Sirius XM.

Gaethje, who is riding a three-fight win streak at 155 pounds, is hoping to lock down his first official UFC title shot sometime in 2020. That may be easier said than done, though, as McGregor moves in for his return to the cage and eventual rematch with current UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Gaethje has obviously put in more work than “Notorious” over the past few years to earn his right to fight for the title, but we all know how these things go. McGregor is the UFC’s primary cash cow. If he’s healthy and coming off a win there’s a really good chance he’ll be fighting for UFC gold.

“Dude, there’s so much that can happen between now and then,” said Gaethje. “If Conor McGregor beats Cowboy Cerrone, he’s not going to get a title shot off that. He’s going to probably try and fight Jorge Masvidal and if he beats Jorge Masvidal, then he might be able to get the title shot at 155, but his next fight after Cowboy is not going to be the 155-pound title shot because that’s happening April 18.”

What say you, Maniacs? Does McGregor defeat Cerrone with striking? Will a win over “Cowboy” be enough to land McGregor a UFC title shot?

Sound off!

For complete UFC 246 fight card new click HERE.