The UFC lightweight division is log-jammed at the top of the division with fighters lined up for a title shot against champion Islam Makhachev.
Second-ranked contender Justin Gaethje believes he should get the next title fight. Former champion Charles Oliveira thinks he should be next to face the champion. After all, he was scheduled to face Makhachev at UFC 294 but was forced out of the bout due to a nasty cut received in training.
“I’m excited to fight this dude,” Gaethje told TMZ Sports. I did what I had to do. I fought [Rafael] Fiziev. I knocked out [Dustin] Poirier. Oliveira had his chance, backed out. Oliveira already had his chance and got his ass whooped. First-round finish. I’m not sure how Makhachev can do any better than that. I’m sure the fans want new blood and that’s me.”
Gaethje hasn’t had any conversation with UFC matchmakers telling him that he’s next, and neither has Oliveira. It’s a complicated situation. Oliveira has lost to Makhachev but “Do Bronx” defeated Gaethje the fight before losing to the current champion. Oliveira also has wins over everyone in the Top 5.
“I haven’t had any conversations yet. I’m out here doing interviews saying I’m next,” said Gaethje. “I’m expecting to fight him in February or March next year, so that’s what I’m getting ready for. Like I said, Oliveira had his chance and then he had his second chance and backed out… I’m here. I’m ready to fight. I see myself fighting him early next year.”
Related: Charles Oliveira: ‘Everybody knows I’m next’
Oliveira is also doing interviews saying that he’s next in line despite having to pull out of the UFC 294 fight with Makhachev.
“Whoever the UFC says is going to fight, is going to fight. Everybody knows I’m next. I’m first in the rankings, coming off a great win, and ready to fight like I was before. I was ready for that fight until it (the cut) happened, and I’m next in line,” Oliveira told The MMA Hour.
Both fighters are lobbying for the next title shot against Makhachev. Gaethje has fought for the lightweight championship twice and lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov via submission early in the second round and was defeated by Oliveira via submission in the first round. It will be interesting to see what UFC matchmakers do.
“I’m not sure what’s ahead. I just know my next fight is Islam Makhachev and that wakes me up in the morning. That’s for sure,” Gaethje said.
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