Islam Makhachev has shocked everyone with his elite performance against Alexander Volkanovksi. The lightweight champion knocked out Volk via a head kick in the first round itself. After the match, No. 2 contender Justin Gaethje called out the champion via X, but the UFC president was not having any of it.
According to the UFC president, ‘The Highlight’ is not the next person in line for the lightweight title shot. During the post-fight press conference, when a reporter asked Dana about who was more likely to be the next opponent of Islam out of Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira, Dana had a very clear answer.
White on who Islam is more likely to face next between Gaethje and Oliveira: “You’ve got to give it to Oliveira… But again, these are all questions I can’t really answer right now”
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) October 21, 2023
“You’ve got to give it to Oliveira but again these are all questions I cannot really answer right now,” said Dana White. ‘Do Bronx’ was originally scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev in a rematch at UFC 294 but had to withdraw due to a nasty cut above his eyes. Oliveira lost his first match against Islam via submission, but he bounced back with a TKO victory over Beneil Dariush.
After Islam won his match at UFC 294, Justin Gaethje was quick to let the world know that he was next in line via X. Sadly, his boss did not agree with him.
Justin Gaethje Praises Islam Makhachev for his Performance at UFC 294
Justin Gaethje had a lot of good things to say about his future opponents. He praised Islam for his outstanding performance against a top-tier talent like Alexander Volkanovski. “Heck of a performance by Islam. I have a mountain to climb,” said the No. 2 ranked prospect.
Heck of a performance by Islam. I have a mountain to climb.
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) October 21, 2023
Gaethje is coming off a big victory against a gamed Dustin Poirier. However, he is still not considered to be the next in line to fight for the lightweight bout. After the UFC 294 main event, ‘The Highlight’ tweeted that he was next, but Dana says that it will be ‘Do Bronx’.
Oliviera is currently recovering from a nasty eye cut that happened during his final hard-sparring session before the light. Furthermore, this pull-out led to Alexander Volkanovski replacing ‘Do Bronx’ on 11-day short notice and getting knocked out. The Fans have to wait for Charles Oliveira’s team to give updates on his injury and timeline.
If the recovery timeline is lengthy for ‘Do Bronx’, then Gaethje will definitely get a shot at the lightweight title. On the other hand, Charles Oliviera deserves to have his rematch against Islam Makhachev because he earned it. Who do you want to see fight for the lightweight title first, Justin Gaethje or Charles Oliveira? Let us know in the comments below.