Justin Gaethje made a bold decision by accepting the challenge to face Max Holloway at UFC 300. If Gaethje had emerged victorious against Holloway, he would have been on track for a potential clash with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. Instead of celebrating a victory and defending his title, Gaethje suffered a devastating last-second knockout from the former UFC featherweight champion, leaving the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in disappointment.
However, Gaethje had an interview with MMA Knockout where he expressed satisfaction with his performance and characterized the bout against Holloway as an enjoyable experience.
He said, “I have no regrets. I had so much fun, I think it was such a huge, historic card for the UFC.”
“It was a huge risk, I failed. If I would’ve won that fight… I would’ve been taking that [title] fight. I’m happy for Dustin, good for him. Somebody had to fight [Makhachev],” he added.
Right after UFC 300 wrapped up, Dana White wasted no time in revealing the main event for UFC 302. Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier will be battling it out for the lightweight championship. Gaethje came into the fight against Holloway after a stunning knockout victory over Poirier at UFC 291.
Justin Gaethje firmly stated that his fighting style is deeply rooted within him and not easily alterable, as he concluded his statement. He recognized that his assertive and passionate approach to combat has been ingrained in him since childhood.
Who will Justin Gaethje fight next?
Although the name of Gaethje’s upcoming opponent remains unknown, he continues to be recognized as one of the top contenders in the highly competitive 155-pound weight division. He has the opportunity to face off against other highly skilled contenders, such as Arman Tsarukyan, Mateusz Gamrot, and Beneil Dariush.
In his latest post, Justin Gaethje shared that he is feeling positive and prepared to take on any opponent that comes his way.
In the same interview with MMA Knockout, Justin Gaethje dismissed retirement rumors and made it clear that he hadn’t even entertained the idea of stepping away from the sport.
Justin Gaethje, boasting an impressive MMA record of 25-5, has expressed his desire to go head-to-head with Islam Machachev. However, it seems that Gaethje will have to exercise some patience before he gets the opportunity to step into the ring with his desired opponent.
