Justin Gaethje calls for Conor McGregor showdown after UFC title win
UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is shifting his focus toward a potential showdown with Conor McGregor for the final stage of his career. Gaethje has moved past his desire for revenge against previous rivals and is now prioritizing high-profile matchups as he defends his title.
Why it matters
This highlights the evolving career trajectory of elite combat sports athletes and the influence of star power on professional fighting matchups.
Justin Gaethje has already gone through some of the biggest names in the UFC, but there’s apparently one more fight that could make sense for the final stretch of his career. After becoming UFC lightweight champion in June, Gaethje has now pointed toward Conor McGregor as the opponent he would most want to face again. That choice is a little different from where Gaethje’s head was earlier this year. He had previously been thinking about getting another shot at Max Holloway or Charles Oliveira, two fighters he had lost to. But with Ilia Topuria defeating both of them, Gaethje feels he can put those revenge ideas aside. McGregor, instead, has become the fight he wants.Justin Gaethje said he isn't chasing revenge anymoreThe 37-year-old has spent the last nine years in the UFC building a reputation around his wild, high-pressure style.
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