Justin Gaethje discards interim lightweight title during UFC 254 photoshoot with Khabib

Justin Gaethje doesn't seem to want to hang around with interim lightweight belt for long as he has set his eyes on Khabib Nurmagomedov's UFC lightweight championship. During Wednesday's UFC 254 photoshoot, Gaethje discarded his interim title because it seemingly meant thing for Highlight ahead of arguably biggest fight in his MMA career. 

As both men stood in front of cameras, Justin Gaethje was captured handing his title to crew as he did t want to be pictured with title besides " champ" Khabib. "I don't want this thing. I'm good. I don't want that one," said Gaethje while handing his interim belt to nearby crew. Pointing at Khabib's lightweight title he added, "I want that one."

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Despite ir upcoming bout and rivalry, both fighters are kwn to have deep respect for each or. Gaethje previously admired Khabib, stating he only wants to fight best and in lightweight division re isn't anybody better than undisputed Russian.  mutual respect was on full show during Wednesday's photoshoot.  two fighters seemed cordial and respectful, shaking hands and patting each or on arm before posing for routine face-off. 

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Khabib vs Gaethje UFC 254 preview

Justin Gaethje, 31, earned a shot at Khabi's title after he scored a dominant win over Tony Ferguson earlier this year at UFC 249; Gaethje beat Ferguson via Round 5 TKO. Even back n, Gaethje refused to be identified as interim champ as he always had eyes on top prize. 

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Gaethje is entering UFC 254 on back of a four-fight win streak. He last lost a fight in 2018 to Dustin Poirier via TKO. Gaethje is 22-2 in his professional MMA career. Meanwhile, Khabib, 32, is bracing for his first fight in over a year. He is entering this showdown as heavy favourite to emerge victorious. Eagle's previous title defences came against Dustin Poirier and Cor McGregor. Khabib currently holds a 28-0 record. 

UFC 254 will be hosted at Flash Forum Arena at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Khabib vs Gaethje will serve as main event of night. main card also features a match between former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and Jared Cannier. main card is scheduled to start at 11:30 pm IST on Saturday, October 24.

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(Im Credits: UFC Twitter)