Islam Makhachev vs. Justin Gaethje– one of the most anticipated fights in the lightweight division, and MMA pundit and former UFC middleweight contender Chael Sonnen claims the fight is under fabrication.
During a recent video shared by the UFC on their official YouTube channel, titled “Looking Back At The Biggest Storylines of 2023“, Sonnen dropped a major hint towards the lightweight division getting its next title fight.
In the clip, Sonnen said that he wants to see Islam Makhachev, the reigning 155-pound champion, defend his crown against Justin Gaethje, the current “BMF” titleholder, former interim lightweight champion and two time title contender.
Not only that, Sonnen also added that he is being “told” that the fight is actually under development.
“I would love to see Gaethje vs Islam, I’m just told that’s going to happen” said Sonnen.
Check out the statement from Sonnen below, courtesy of @ChampRDS on X:
Chael Sonnen: “I would love to see [Justin] Gaethje vs Islam [Makhachev], I’m just told that’s going to happen”
[🎥/UFC YouTube]#UFC #MMATwitter pic.twitter.com/UGDiPGw9pj
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 2, 2024
There is a grudge brewing between Islam Makhachev & Justin Gaethje
While there has been no official statement from the promotion regarding the fight, Makhachev and Gaethje are already having their share of grudge rivalry, as the recent flaming dialogue between the two indicates.
Last week, “The Highlight” took to X to call out Makhachev, stating that he is awaiting a title shot in 2024, adding that Charles Oliveira, the former champion who fell out of the rematch after due to a gruesome cut during training, has already missed his shot.
“Waiting on the call,” Gaethje posted on X. “Ready when you are UFC, Dana White. Let’s see who can kick the others head off first Islam Makhachev. ‘Do Bronx’ [Charles Oliveira] had his shot and didn’t show up for the rematch. It is what it is.”
Waiting on the call. Ready when you are @ufc @danawhite Let’s see who can kick the others head off first @MAKHACHEVMMA Do Bronx had his shot and didn’t show up for the rematch. It is what it is. https://t.co/Wg83vtmLHm
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) December 26, 2023
Makhachev was quick to respond, asking Gaethje to be “careful”.
“I can do more than kicking, be careful,” wrote Makhachev.
I can do more than kicking, be careful 😉😴💤 https://t.co/yyCSbd7mVm
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) December 27, 2023
Makhachev is on a whopping 13 fight win streak, and has gone through two title defenses as the lightweight champion. After clinching the vacant belt against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in October 2022, Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski, the 145-pound champ, twice last year.
For his part, Gaethje has bounced back from the loss against Oliveira at UFC 274, with two wins in 2023 as well- first over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286, followed by defeating Dustin Poirier at UFC 291
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