5 Reasons why Justin Gaethje deserves the next lightweight title shot instead of Islam Makhachev

#4) Gaethje defeated a top-5 ranked opponent

Another reason why Justin Gaethje deserves the next lightweight title shot instead of Islam Makhachev is because of his wins over ranked opponents. Gaethje has consistently fought and defeated top-ranked lightweights during his UFC tenure. The same can’t be said about Makhachev. Although Makhachev has a very impressive record at 21-1, he hasn’t fought enough ranked opponents that would catapult him into a title fight.

Makhachev recently defeated sixth-ranked Dan Hooker in dominant fashion at UFC 267. It was an impressive win. But, it’s important to note that Hooker took the fight less than a month after his previous fight. Hooker defeated Nasrat Haqparast by decision at UFC 266.

Gaethje also won his most recent bout by unanimous decision. But, it was the manner in which he got the decision win that stood out. It was a slugfest between Gaethje and Michael Chandler that’ll surely be a contender for Fight of the Year. Chandler had come off a TKO loss to Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight title. Gaethje, on the other hand, hadn’t fought since his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov.

#3) Gaethje is an established contender at lightweight

Gaethje is an established contender in the lightweight division. Gaethje has defeated many top-5 caliber lightweights during his UFC tenure. Gaethje’s wins include Edson Barboza, Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, Tony Ferguson, and, most recently, Michael Chandler.

The opponents as well as when Gaethje fought them should be taken into consideration. Even though he was submitted by then-UFC lightweight champion Khabib, he was able to bounce back in his first fight back. Gaethje didn’t immediately take a fight following the loss to Khabib. Instead, he was off for a little over a year before fighting Chandler at UFC 268.

Makhachev’s win over Hooker was impressive, but it should set him for a bout with Beneil Dariush instead of a title shot. Makhachev vs Dariush would make sense as a title eliminator because it’d be another win over a top-ranked lightweight. Makhachev going that route would also help his argument for a title shot because of where they both stand at lightweight.

What made Gaethje’s performance against Chandler so impressive was that there were no signs of ring rust. His timing looked like he hadn’t been out of competition for over a year. With the win over Chandler, Gaethje solidified his status as the top contender in the division.