Daniel Cormier sees Justin Gaethje sliding into the UFC title image.
Light-weight champion Islam Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) is gearing up for his subsequent title protection after making fast work of short-notice alternative Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in January.
Ilia Topuria says he was promised a right away light-weight title shot after he vacated his featherweight title, however there’s been pushback from Makhachev’s group. That’s why Cormier thinks Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) will find yourself getting the title shot.
“I truthfully imagine that’s who’s going to struggle for the belt, I imagine it’s going to be Justin Gaethje,” Cormier mentioned on his “Funky and the Champ” present with Ben Askren. “If I’m group Makhachev, I’m asking for Justin Gaethje as a result of that’s a big-name struggle, it’s the man that carries a variety of title recognition. I believe that’s going to be the struggle if I’m being trustworthy with you.”
Ben Askren finds it exhausting to make a case for Gaethje, who was knocked out by ex-featherweight champ Max Holloway at UFC 300, however rebounded with a choice win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313.
“He misplaced to Holloway, and Topuria simply put down Holloway in very spectacular vogue,” Askren mentioned of Gaethje. “I don’t even assume it’s a tough argument. I believe Topuria is by far probably the most compelling particular person.”
Cormier’s argument for Makhachev is that two of his 4 title defenses came visiting former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, and the way he doesn’t wish to go down that street once more. Askren defined why he doesn’t see Cormier’s argument as legitimate.
“These two featherweights, Holloway has the very, very latest win in opposition to Justin Gaethje at light-weight, at which they competed at light-weight, proper?” Askren mentioned. “After which Volkanovski had the very aggressive bout with Islam Makhachev. “So you could have each of these guys additionally competing at light-weight and having comparatively good outcomes.”
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