'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
After spending six months away from the octagon, Justin Gaethje is ready to return and has revealed the two lightweights that he would entertain stepping in against next.
'The Highlight' quickly became one of the most must-watch fighters in the UFC since his arrival from the World Series of Fighting back in 2017. Despite arriving with high expectations, the 33-year-old surpassed those after delivering multiple fight-of-the-year candidate performances against some of the world's top 155ers.
According to MMA journalist Jose Youngs, Justin Gaethje has given the names of two UFC lightweights that would make the most sense for him upon his octagon return, though one seems rather unlikely.
"Justin Gaethje tells us [that] both Rafael Fiziev and Charles Oliveira [will] make sense for his next fight."
While many would love Gaethje and 'Do Bronx' to run back their thrilling one-round encounter from earlier this year, the Brazilian has already stated his intention to take a short break away from the cage.
Rafael Fiziev is a surging prospect who could pose a handful of problems to the former interim lightweight champion. Not only will his powerful striking, speed, and reflexes be a problem, but he is in the form of his life inside the cage, winning each of his last six outings.
Throughout his career, Gaethje has gained a reputation for his ability to weather the storm whilst making each fight ugly for his opponents. In what he calls "car crashes," the knockout artist aims to make it uncomfortable for fighters who match up against him and will likely aim to do the same during his next appearance.
How close to a UFC title shot is Justin Gaethje?
Justin Gaethje has failed to capture the lightweight title on two occasions. He will likely have to fight his way back into contention if he wants another shot at UFC gold.
Currently ranked as the #3 155lber in the world, a win in a possible clash against Rafael Fiziev (a fighter ranked outside the top 5) would arguably not be enough to insert him into the title conversation.
This would leave a potential super-fight between Gaethje and the winner or loser of the upcoming brawl between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler, which is scheduled to take place at UFC 281 on November 12.
