To say Justin Gaethje isn't looking ahead to his next fight is a bit of an understatement.
On Saturday night (April 13), “The Highlight” steps inside the Octagon for the first time since scoring a highlight-reel second-round head kick KO of Dustin Poirier in July. That night, Gaethje won the BMF title. He will then face former featherweight champion Max Holloway for the coveted belt in what pundits are calling the “national main event” of UFC 300.
Speaking with media members at Wednesday's UFC media event, Gaethje was asked about any potential fights he would like to book before hanging up the gloves for good.
“I'm the type of person who runs about 400 meters at a time,” Gaethje said. “I don't think too far ahead. To be honest, I don't know what the future holds. I don't usually try to live the day after a fight, so I don't want to be there on Sunday. I hope.”
A win over Justin Gaethje could open up a 155-pound title shot for the 'blessed' fighter.
Gaethje heads into UFC 300 with a shot at the lightweight title on the line. He is already considered by many to be the next to challenge 155-pound champion Islam Makhachev, but a decisive loss to 'Blessed' could ruin those plans and sneak him in through the back door. This may open the door for them to claim what is their own. Fired at the “Dagestan destroyer”.
“I'm in a situation right now where I have to put Gaethje first,” Holloway told Kevin Iall. “But there are a lot of fights that could be there for us if I can get out there and get their hands up like we're planning on. And one of them is the 55-year champion and I think it's going to be fun. I'm still halfway through this and that's why I'm here today.”
Check out the official preview of Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway at UFC 300 below.