Perennial lightweight title contender Justin Gaethje has no regrets after losing to Max Holloway at UFC 300.
Before the Holloway fight was announced, many fans thought The Highlight would be next to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title, but that wasn't the case.
Gaethje instead fought Holloway at UFC 300, seemingly giving up a title shot at Dustin Poirier, whom Gaethje knocked out at UFC 291 last July.
As Gaethje explained in a recent interview with MMAKnockout's Matt Riddle, this is not a regret. The fight at UFC 300 is part of Gaethje's legacy that will “live forever.”
”[It’s a] It’s a crazy fight, you know?,” Gaethje told MMA Knockout. [the Holloway fight]. No regrets. It was a lot of fun. I think it was a huge, historic card for the UFC. And to be a part of that, to be the best fight on that card, you know, it's going to live forever.
“And again, it was a big risk, I failed, if I had won that fight, if I had been knocked out right away, I would have won that fight.” [against Makhachev], but that's just the name of the game. ”
Gaethje: “I'm happy for Dustin'' predicts main event of UFC 302
Given this announcement, Gaethje is pleased with Poirier's performance and believes it would have been unrealistic for him to fight Makhachev so quickly after UFC 300, win or lose.
“I'm happy for Dustin,” Gaethje said. “Good for him. Someone had to fight. Whatever we have to lose, I think he is.” [Makhachev] It would be faster and it would be almost impossible. [to make that fight in 5-6 weeks turnaround].
“I mean, this is the way the UFC wanted to go. So I can't complain about it, I don't want it to seem that way, so I'm really not complaining because that's the way it is.” Yo. ”
Although the fight is not a priority for him as he is recovering from his fight at UFC 300, Gaethje offered his prediction for Makhachev vs. Poirier.
“So I'm completely out of combat mode right now,” Gaethje explained. “I haven't processed that fight. They just announced it the night I fought. So, again, it's been four or five days, so I haven't processed it. I… I'm kind of enjoying living my life right now, it's always nice to focus on my recovery and enjoy the positive energy and comments. Also, being around my family, that's what I do. It's about being focused.
“…I don't know who will win. Of course I think Makhachev should win, but Poirier is a dog. The fight is a crazy game. So you never know what will happen.”
In collaboration with OnlyFansTV, Gaethje will appear on an episode of “Rise & Grind,” giving fans a preview of the life and day in the life of one of the UFC's brightest stars.
“It's going to be more technical videos from me and my coach,” Gaethje said of the exclusive content for “Rise & Grind.” “We set up the entire gym as a studio, set up cameras everywhere, and moved the cameras. …The technique videos we provide are second to none.”
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