The MMA world is abuzz as Justin Gaethje has landed his chance at the coveted championship. He had charted a victorious return in the UFC 313 event, following an intense knockout in UFC 300. Initially, he had been paired to fight against Dan Hooker, however, fate wedged Rafael Fiziev as his final adversary.
As the energetic contest unfolded, Gaethje, who once held the BMF champion title, seemed a bit out of sync at the onset. But as the competitive energy rippled through him, his dormant abilities ignited, turning the game steeply in his favored direction and triumphing over Fiziev.
Having won the match, Gaethje made a public appeal for a shot at the title. On this topic, UFC commentator, Jon Anik, recently voiced his belief that Gaethje has earned his rightful opportunity to compete for the championship.
In a conversation with ‘Bloody Elbow’, Anik strongly supported Gaethje’s case for becoming a champion. Anik further expressed his bafflement as to what further Gaethje could do to prove his worth to the UFC, endorsing his credibility in strong words.
This encouraging statement from a UFC commentator of Anik’s stature certainly provides significant moral support to Gaethje’s pursuit of the championship. However, not everyone within the lightweight circles is in accord with this view.
A contrasting perspective has been put forth by fellow lightweight fighter, Arman Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan contends that Gaethje’s victory over Fiziev at UFC 313 does not suffice to earn him a shot at Islam Makhachev’s title.
His viewpoint is that Gaethje struggled considerably while defeating Fiziev. Tsarukyan, therefore, proposes a challenge to Gaethje for a number one contender match, before he secures his shot at the title.
Tsarukyan made his thoughts public in a chat with ‘The Schmo’, stating that while Gaethje may be keen on vying for the title, the more logical course would be to accept a fight with him. The argument rests on the premise that Gaethje should prove his mettle by winning against him or Oliveira before landing a title fight.
He further speculated that he himself could potentially be paired next with Oliveira or Gaethje, or maybe even be getting a chance at the title fight. His concluding remark was a reflection of the uncertainty wrapped around these possibilities, evocatively stating, ‘I don’t know yet’.
Thus, all eyes are glued to the lightweight division as it gets steered into a fresh wave of excitement, thanks to Gaethje’s recent win. The series of events that this victory has set into motion are potentially poised to alter the dynamics of the division significantly.
As it stands, Gaethje’s passionate appeal for a shot at the title has stimulated a lively conversation. He has received vital endorsement from Jon Anik. However, he also faces formidable opposition from Arman Tsarukyan, who is proposing different pre-conditions for Gaethje’s eligibility for the title fight.
In this rapidly evolving scenario, the path to the championship seems filled with a host of potentialities, all hinging on decisions yet to be taken and matches yet to be fought. To add a further layer of complexity and interest, every proposed match has the potential to reshape the landscape of the division.
The ultimate course of action is yet to be revealed. Opinions are split, proposals are flying, and the drama is building. While Justin Gaethje’s recent victory has indeed invigorated the lightweight division, the actual fallout remains to be seen.