Remember me
Earlier this month, Justin Gaethje stunned many people when he pulverized Ilia Topuria's face across four rounds at UFC Freedom 250, forcing the previously undefeated champion's team to call for the fight to end.
The shocking upset immediately put Gaethje into the spotlight as the undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion, and immediately raised the question of whether he'd officially ride off into the sunset or continue to fight. It appears the 37-year-old wants to fight again, and that he'd love to get his hands on Conor McGregor, who returns for his first fight in July after five years away from UFC.
“I’m sure that he’s committed enough time, 6-8 months, to training for one of these fights,” Gaethje told Jim Rome about McGregor’s return after five years. “Yeah, I’m very interested to see what happens in that fight.”
Read More on MMA
"Max [Holloway] definitely knocked me out, but I feel like I got that wind back with the Ilia Topuria fight. I would love, as I've stated hundreds of times publicly, I would love to punch Conor McGregor in the face," he said.
More news: Justin Gaethje Shuts Down Ilia Topuria Rematch After UFC Freedom 250
Gaethje indicated that McGregor is one of the biggest stars in the sport, so a fight with him would be great for him "financially" and to add to his "legendary status."
McGregor is returning for UFC 329's welterweight main event, where he'll face Max Holloway. While McGregor hasn't fought in five years, Holloway last fought at UFC 326 in March, where he lost to Charles Oliveira. McGregor could show up rusty and unprepared for the fight, unless he's been aggressively training.
What adds to the intrigue of McGregor vs. Holloway is the fact that the latter defeated Gaethje via fifth-round knockout at UFC 300 several years ago. So this particular fight's winner could be in line for a shot at Gaethje, if he chooses to keep fighting.
Most likely, McGregor is more focused on this fight rather than worrying about Gaethje, but a future fight could loom with the man who handed Topuria his first loss.
Since losing to Holloway, Gaethje went on a three-fight winning streak, which included this month's massive upset in the main event at UFC Freedom 250. With that sort of momentum, some might decide to end a career and focus on other things in retirement.
However, Gaethje told Rome that currently, he feels like he will fight again, and time will help him make the decision officially. He also wouldn't give a definitive answer on who he'd like to fight next, beyond that tease of wanting to "punch Conor McGregor."
However, there are plenty of UFC fans out there who probably would love to see Gaethje back in the octagon and facing the legendary McGregor, or even the man who last defeated him, depending on who emerges victorious from UFC 329.
More news: WWE Could Follow UFC Freedom 250’s Success With White House Event
For more about the UFC, head over to Newsweek Sports.