Right now, the UFC‘s lightweight division is in a bit of a holding pattern. In September, lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) was supposed to fight interim champion, Justin Gaethje (22-2).
However, after the recent passing of Nurmagomedov’s father, there have been question marks around the eagle’s future. As a result, the division has come to a halt.
With the uncertainty around his future, Khabib suggested that Gaethje fight Conor McGregor (22-4) while he figures his situation out. According to Gaethje’s manager, that was not an offer he was interested in.
“Khabib told me to tell Justin to go fight Conor. Justin said no,†Ali Abdelaziz said to TMZ Sports.
What’s next in the UFC’s lightweight division
A fight between McGregor and Gaethje for the interim UFC lightweight title would be massive. It’s a fight that has a ton of heat because the two men do not like each other.
Justin, there is no danger in a man that hugs legs, we all know. Try and dance around what the real threat is here all you want.
I am going to fucking butcher you.
Your teeth. I’m going to put them on a fucking necklace.
Speak on my skills as a father?
You are fucking dead.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 11, 2020
Of course, McGregor has seemed to be enjoying retirement life as of now. Dana White and pretty much everyone in the world does not believe that McGregor is actually retired.
I’m a little surprised Gaethje was so quick to dismiss the opportunity to fight McGregor. However, at the same time it does make since if you’re Gaethje.
The interim UFC lightweight champion would have a tougher time dealing with McGregor due to the style. A McGregor-Gaethje matchup would happen completely on the feet.
If both men were at their peak, I don’t think many would favor Gaethje over McGregor in a stand up fight. Whereas Khabib will try to take Gaethje down over and over. If Gaethje could keep that fight standing, he’d have a massive advantage.
Despite the tougher matchup, I don’t think Gaethje is dodging McGregor. I think he just envisions becoming the undisputed UFC lightweight champion. A dangerous fight with McGregor could take that opportunity away in the blink of an eye.