CNN Indonesia
Monday, 24 Jul 2023 21:56 WIB
Justin Gaethje is curious about the figure of Islam Makhachev. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
Justin Gaethje will face Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 but his mind was already starting to imagine duel opponents Islam Makhachev who is often referred to as the successor to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Gaethje will fight a fierce duel against Poirier. This fight is a repeat of the duel in 2018 when Poirier won by TKO. This time, the two fighters will again face the lure of a duel against Makhachev, who is currently the UFC lightweight champion.
Gaethje himself admitted that he was curious about Makhachev’s figure. He believes that Makhachev is not a fighter who really looks like Khabib, is dominant and hard to beat in the UFC. That’s why he wanted to prove it.
“I can’t wait to be there [bersama Islam Makhachev]. I know that Makhachev is not Khabib and I want to prove this,” Gaethje said as quoted by Low Kick MMA.
Makhachev himself successfully paved the way for the UFC championship quickly after Khabib retired. Famous names such as Charles Oliveira and Alexander Volkanovski have fallen victim to Gaethje’s greatness.
However, Gaethje himself has yet to face other top lightweight fighters such as Poirier, Gaethje, and Beneil Dariush. Gaethje himself admits that Volkanovski is the most formidable fighter for Makhachev so far because he doesn’t have much idea of other opponents.
“Based on what we know, it was Volkanovski because he really put up a fight and the duel was really close.”
“I’ve never fought him, Poirier has never fought him. I think if you have something to say, maybe the answer is a fighter who has beaten him. I think Volkanovski is the clearest answer so far,” said Gaethje.
Makhachev has suffered one defeat in his career, namely when he faced Adriano Martins at UFC 192. At that time, Makhachev lost by knockout in the first round.
(ptr/jun)
2023-07-24 14:56:54
#Prove #Makhachev #Khabib
