Justin Gaethje Says He’s Preparing For Islam Makhachev Fight, Likely Early ’24

Justin Gaethje is manifesting a title shot.

The #2 ranked light-weight, regardless of being ranked a spot under Charles Oliveira, most likely has the strongest case for the following crack on the 155 lb. belt … and the UFC celebrity tells us he is making ready to struggle Islam Makhachev in early 2024!

“No, I haven’t had any conversations yet [with the UFC about fighting Makhachev],” Gaethje advised Babcock on the TMZ Sports activities TV present (airs weeknights on FS1), including … “I’m expecting to fight [Islam] February, March of next year, so that’s what I’m getting ready for.”

34-year-old Gaethje’s coming off a powerful KO win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 in July 2023. Justin’s now ranked 2 at light-weight, whereas Charles is 1, and Islam’s champ.

Oliveira and Makhachev have been purported to struggle in the principle occasion at UFC 294 on Saturday, however Charles was compelled to withdraw lower than 2 weeks earlier than the struggle over an harm.

Justin clearly believes Charles, who beforehand fought and misplaced to Islam by submission in late-2022, has missed the bus on a title shot … at the least within the rapid future.

“Like I said, Oliveira had his chance and then he had his second chance and backed out,” Gaethje mentioned.

It is clear JG believes the struggle’s his, so we requested him … how do you matchup with the champion?

“With the experience I’ve had with Khabib, I understand that he’s not the same fighter. I wasn’t scared of Khabib, but that’s an intimidating guy to go up against, and that factor will not be there. I’m more confident,” Gaethje mentioned, reflecting on his expertise with Nurmagomedov, and the way the Makhachev struggle can be completely different.

“I think I’m a great matchup. I think it’s a much better match-up for myself than Khabib was, and I think I’ll be able to really be effective with my striking and then create some opportunities to maximize the damage that I’m creating.”