According to UFC commentator Jon Anik, Justin Gaethje is seriously disappointed that he was shot with a vacant UFC lightweight title.
Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will be fighting for the 155-pound belt after the Islamic Makhachev leaves, and Gaethje is looking for other options for his next fight.
Justin Gesche left Sheising after missing a lightweight title shot for the UFC
The UFC lightweight title is vacant following the announcement that Islamic Makhachev’s next fight will mark a move to welterweight later this year.
As a competitor ranked third at 155 pounds, Justin Guetteje is certainly one of the fighters who have the opportunity to fight for the vacant belt. However, it has not been deployed much in Gaethje’s favor, and benefits from the vacant title shots of the two other fighters.
Instead, Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira will be heading the UFC 317 for the free UFC lightweight title. Former champion and #2 rank fighter Oliveira deserves another shot in the belt. Topria, who himself freed his featherweight belt in favor of moving to lighter weight, would feel he too was more than worthy of a shot.
However, this leaves Gaethje’s mouth with a sour taste. Gaethje himself believed that he was in the perfect position to benefit from the UFC lightweight title shot at UFC 317.
UFC lead commentator Jon Anik revealed in a recent episode Annick & Florian Podcast That “highlight” is the least pleased to be snubled for a free shot at UFC 317.
“I had a lot with Justin Gesche this week, but he was p****d. He certainly feels like he was handed over in favor of Charles Oliveira for this opportunity with Ilia Toplia.
“I think what Justin Geshe and his manager Ali Abderaziz are looking for is a kind of guarantee that they’ll come next.” Annick concluded.
It is still unclear whether Gaethje will be seen next, but depending on what happens in the UFC 317 main event, he may have to wait a little longer.
Who will Justin Gesche’s next fight be against?
Following an exciting victory over Rafael Fiziev in the UFC 313 rematch, Justin Gettege had hopes for a shot in the next available UFC lightweight title. But that clearly doesn’t work out in his favor.
Now, “highlights” have to face another top 155 pound candidate before winning a shot in UFC Gold. As a fighter ranked third in the lightweight category, Gaethje could be more likely to become the next challenger for the winner of the UFC 317 main event between Topuria and Oliveira.
But in the meantime, he will need another fight. Arman Tsarukyan is Lightweight’s No. 1 competitor, so that fight could happen. Max Holloway ranks fourth, and that fight doesn’t seem to be the case given Holloway’s dominant victory and Gaethje’s emphatic knockout at the UFC 300 last year.
Instead, Gaethje may have to look further down the rankings. One man mentioned as a possible next fight for Gaethje is Paddy Pimblett.
Pimblett last saw Michael Chandler stop at UFC 314, but now his eyesight is set in the top five. Gaethje is the near perfect opponent for “Baddy.” Rumors about these battles are now gaining momentum.
Gaethje vs Pimblett will be officially announced by UFC president Dana White in the coming weeks. UFC319The Target event.
If he defeats Pinblet, then there is no denying that Justin Gettege’s next fight should go against the winner of UFC lightweight title Ilia Topria vs Charles Oliveira. period.
