Despite some bitter back and forth between Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler in the lead-up to UFC 268, the respect between both the fighters was apparent as Gaethje and Chandler embraced each other after three rounds of absolute insanity to kick-off UFC 268 inside Madison Square Garden. Following the Octagon interview, both Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje were rushed to the hospital.
Both Gaethje and Chandler off to hospital.
Both refused any assistance (stretcher, crutches etc)
Gaethje even tried to get in the same ambulance as Chandler and asked if he was alright.
Proper.#UFC268
— Adam Catterall (@AdamCatterall) November 7, 2021
BT Sports journalist Adam Catterall took to Twitter to share this update on both the fighters after UFC 268. According to the report, both Chandler and Gaethje refused stretchers or crutches and left for the hospital in the ambulance. Justin Gaethje checked on Chandler before leaving, showing his respect to the former lightweight title challenger.
Justin Gaethje unloaded severe damage on Chandler, leaving him visibly compromised with vicious leg kicks, and power shots. At one point, Gaethje almost stopped Chandler with a brutal uppercut in the second round. However, Chandler survived the onslaught and was able to recover from the knockdown. While Chandler showed grit and determinism, showing some amazing body work, and landing several significant strikes, Justin Gaethje proved to be too good for Michael Chandler.
Justin Gaethje to fight for the title shot next?
Justin Gaethje called out the winner of Charles Oliveira vs Dustin Poirier set to go down at UFC 269 in Decemeber, next month. Gaethje had said it in the lead-up to the fight, that he should be next for the championship belt should he get past Michael Chandler, otherwise he would “riot.”
Gaethje is currently ranked #2 in the UFC’s lightweight rankings, having lost already fought the #1 ranked Dustin Poirier in a losing effort. Gaethje has a chance to redeem his loss and become the next UFC lightweight champion, should Poirier get past Oliveira next month. However, a match-up against the BJJ ace Charles Oliveira is equally exciting. Considering, Gaethje was criticized for his lack of BJJ skills in his last fight with Khabib Nurmaomedov, a fight against Charles Oliveria makes for an exciting challenge.