After Max Holloway handed Justin Gaethje a defeat at UFC 300, his chances of facing Islam Makhachev for the title have decreased dramatically. Javier Mendez stated “he was the biggest threat” to Islam’s title reign.
Justin Gaethje Removed From Islam Makhachev
Justin Gathje squared off against Max Holloway in the “people’s main event” during UFC 300. The former interim champ had his sights firmly set on Islam Makachev if he was victorious in this fight. However, Max Holloway had different plans. Holloway dismantled Gathje over five rounds, followed by a phenomenal knockout in the final seconds of the fight. It is now rumoured that Islam will face Dustin Porier in an undisputed lightweight title fight at UFC 302.
Javier Mendez rules Gaethje out of Title Conversation
Islam Makachev’s coach has commented on Gaethj’s loss following UFC 300 and stated the following: “Yeah to me, the guy out of all guys that was stylistically very dangerous, out of all of them, I thought it was Justin Gaethje”. “Stylistically because of his wrestling pedigree, you know. All of his striking is really good, he’s strong”. He went on to say “It’s all apples and oranges right?”. “Everybody brings a different skillset, so I thought he was the biggest threat for us. And now, he’s probably never going to be in the picture foe us going forward”. “No need to talk about him as a threat because he’s never going to be that anymore, I don’t think”.
The Future of The Lightweight Division
With Gaethjie previously stating that this could be his last run at the title, where does he go from here? One thing guaranteed is that every time he steps in the cage, fans are in for fireworks.
As the lightweight title picture is everchanging, it’s a great time to be a fan of the sport. Islam appears to be unstoppable, can the diamond Dustin Poirier dethrone the king?
What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
