UFC superstar Justin Gaethje still must make an enormous improvement after UFC 313, based on one among his top training partners.
Justin Gaethje proved he isn’t done contending for UFC gold together with his triumphant showing at UFC 313. Almost a full yr after suffering a buzzer-beating knockout defeat to Max Holloway, Gaethje looked rejuvenated and as dangerous as he’s ever been in outpointing Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision.
Gaethje, a longtime UFC fan favorite, is back within the lightweight title mix together with his victory at UFC 313. He held firm on his Top 3 spot within the rankings as he pursues a possible third profession shot on the lightweight championship.
But as Gaethje prepares for an additional run on the title, his former champion teammate believes now’s the time to fill a major hole in his game.
Kamaru Usman is brutally honest on Justin Gaethje’s marketability after UFC 313
During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman questioned Gaethje for not promoting himself on the mic.
“You gotta sell yourself sometimes,” Usman said of Gaethje. “That is where you do it because as much of a performer you might be in there, you gotta give them something to look ahead to. That is what the WWE, and ‘The Rock’ and these guys achieve this well.
“Justin, you gotta do a little bit higher job of that. But he’s just so d— honest, which is why I like that frickin’ dude.” (h/t MMA News)
Gaethje’s fan-friendly style and ‘highlight’ moniker make him a UFC superstar athlete. But Gaethje rarely trash talks at press conferences or within the media and has been at the middle of modest beef with a handful of fighters during his profession.
Justin Gaethje targets Islam Makhachev, dismisses a trilogy after UFC 313
Gaethje could possibly be next in line for UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev after UFC 313. Makhachev is anticipated to return later this yr after defeating Renato Moicano at UFC 311.
UFC CEO Dana White endorsed Gaethje’s case for a title shot after defeating Fiziev. Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira, and Arman Tsarukyan are also in the combination for Makhachev’s next title defense.
Gaethje admits he’ll need a ‘perfect’ performance to take out the UFC’s pound-for-pound king Makhachev. Interestingly, Gaethje and Makhachev share the identical manager, which could potentially impact fight talks.
One potential matchup tossed around after UFC 313 for Gaethje was a trilogy with Dustin Poirier. But Gaethje has little interest in facing Poirier, and Poirier is rumored to face Holloway later this yr.
No matter who Gaethje fights next, it’s sure to be one other high-profile matchup. Before he hangs up the gloves, Gaethje isn’t giving up on his pursuit of UFC gold so as to add to his Hall of Fame resume.
