Justin Gaethje sends Dana White a strong ultimatum after UFC 313 despite 'exhibition fight' loss
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Justin Gaethje isn’t playing games after UFC 313.
UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje bounced back from one of the most horrific knockouts in mixed martial arts history with a triumphant performance at UFC 313. Gaethje defeated short-notice replacement opponent Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision to solidify his spot in the lightweight Top 3.
Gaethje, a former BMF titleholder, has no shortage of potential options after his win at UFC 313. He could potentially face Max Holloway in a rematch if Holloway doesn’t win the sweepstakes for Dustin Poirier‘s retirement fight opponent.
UFC play-by-play man Jon Anik and others are already forecasting what’s next for Gaethje inside the Octagon. No matter who Gaethje faces next, it’ll likely be another high-profile fight.
Justin Gaethje sends a chilling message to Dana White after UFC 313
One potential matchup on the table is a clash with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for the next title shot. Gaethje is 0-2 in lineal UFC title fights, with losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.
UFC featherweight champ Ilia Topuria‘s move to the lightweight division could result in him skipping the line for an immediate title shot. But if Gaethje has anything to say about it, he plans to make it a hard decision for Dana White and the matchmakers after his UFC 313 performance.
In a recent post to X, Gaethje told White what he wants after UFC 313.
“I won 3 out of my last 4, only losing in an exhibition fight. I have to fight for the belt. [Dana White] I am ready,” Gaethje posted Tuesday.
Luckily for Gaethje, Makhachev’s coach Javier Mendez named him as the ideal next opponent for Makhachev’s next title defense. Makhachev last defended the belt against Renato Moicano at UFC 311.
Gaethje understands the immense puzzle Makhachev presents as they’re under the same manager, Ali Abdelaziz. The fact that their careers are run by the same manager makes a potential title clash all the more likely to transpire.
White endorsed Gaethje’s case for a title shot during the UFC 313 post-fight press conference. As of this writing, it’s uncertain when Makhachev will return to the Octagon, although he could potentially return this summer.
Justin Gaethje’s marketability questioned by his teammate after UFC 313
When Gaethje returns to the Octagon, likely later this year, his teammate Kamaru Usman hopes the former BMF champion will promote himself more ahead of his upcoming fight. Usman begged Gaethje to promote himself better after UFC 313.
Despite Usman’s criticism, Gaethje is a solidified pay-per-view star after the memories he’d made inside the Octagon. But for his next matchup, Gaethje ruled out a potential trilogy fight with Poirier after UFC 313.
If the UFC opts to have Topuria compete in a No. 1 contender fight before a lightweight title shot, the door is wide open for Gaethje to get a third crack at UFC gold. We could learn more about the UFC superstar’s next move in the coming weeks.
