Justin Gaethje believes he will finish Conor McGregor in a potential lightweight fight.
McGregor, a former lightweight and featherweight champion, recently said the UFC should have booked him against Gaethje for a showdown on September, following his 40-second knockout of Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.
‘The Highlight’ earned a shot at the undisputed title after pulling off a massive upset at UFC 249 last month by dominating the number one contender, Tony Ferguson, in their main event clash.
Speaking to ESPN in a recent interview, Gaethje agreed with UFC president Dana White that the Irishman should wait for the winner of the unification bout.
“I think he should wait for the winner of me and Khabib. If I win, I think he definitely comes back. If Khabib wins, I don’t know. I’m not sure about that. (Conor’s) a legend, man.”
“What he did was legendary status. I’ll never take that away from him. He deserves credit. He’s accomplished so much in this sport. What every fighter wants to attain, he accomplished, so hats off to him. I can’t wait to punch him in the face.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje on plans like the UFC 253 stellar fighthttps://t.co/kmeyd83hmy
— UFC Fight Tonight (@TonightUfc) June 10, 2020
Knockout
The interim lightweight champion, who holds 19 knockouts in his 22-fight MMA career, said controlling the distance would be a big factor in a potential fight with McGregor and he believes he can score the finish.
“Distance control is the No. 1 factor in any fight. It’s established in the first 30 seconds. It’s not visible, but it’s established, and that would be a huge factor in our fight,” Gaethje said.
“Who can control the distance? I think the best thing about me is I can kick the (expletive) out of people, so when they are trying to control distance or maybe they are winning at that, I can kick them in the leg and try to reset that. So I think I would knock him out to be honest.
“I think he’s got about three rounds, and then it’s hell, and he doesn’t want to go to hell, so I think he’s good for now.”
Justin Gaethje breaks down how he'd knock out Conor McGregor: Three rounds 'then it's hell' https://t.co/z5dRNSXnrX pic.twitter.com/xdMDhP6XaP
— Best Bet MMA (@BestBetMMA) June 16, 2020
What A Ride!
‘The Notorious’ from Ireland recently annunced he is retiring from fighting for the third time, thankimg his fan for the amazing memories and a great ride.
“Hey guys I’ve decided to retire from fighting. Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it’s been! Here is a picture of myself and my mother in Las Vegas post one of my World title wins! Pick the home of your dreams Mags I love you! Whatever you desire it’s yours,” he wrote on Twitter.
Hey guys I’ve decided to retire from fighting.
Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it’s been!
Here is a picture of myself and my mother in Las Vegas post one of my World title wins!
Pick the home of your dreams Mags I love you!
Whatever you desire it’s yours ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Dh4ijsZacZ— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 7, 2020
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje)