Makhachev vs Gaethje next?! The champion issues stern warning

Makhachev vs Gaethje could happen in 2024. Photo: Per Haljestam – USA TODAY Sports

The UFC has yet to officially book reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s next title defense.

One who’s hungry for another shot at the title is fan favorite Justin Gaethjem. The American recently took to social media to claim his rightful place as the next in line as he believed that former champ Charles Oliveira missed his chance to fight for the title again.

“Waiting on the call,” Gaethje wrote on X. “Ready when you are UFC, Dana White. Let’s see who can kick the others head off first Islam Makhachev. “‘Do Bronx’ had his shot and didn’t show up for the rematch. It is what it is.”

The champ, who finished Alexander Volkanovski with a massive head kick in his last fight, was not late to reply.

”I can do more than kicking, be careful,” Makhachev wrote.

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Makhachev vs Gaethje not likely to go down at UFC 300

Islam Makhachev typically doesn’t fight during Ramadan, which goes from March 10 to April 9 next year, which probably makes him skip UFC 300 on April 13.

Considering that most numbered events before UFC 300 are more or less fully booked already, it’s more likely that we will see the champ fight after April.

Gaethje comes from a Knockout of the year-candidate against Dustin Poirier in July.

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