Published 16:37 IST, May 12th 2020
Justin Gaethje's manager plays down Conor McGregor's challenge, says he will face Khabib
Despite being called out by Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje's manager claimed that 'The Highlight' will face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight title next.
Conor McGregor officially called out Justin Gaethje on Twitter this week, after ‘The Highlight’ registered a stunning victory against Tony Ferguson to claim the interim lightweight title at UFC 249. Justin Gaethje snapped Tony Ferguson’s eight-year-long undefeated streak with a sensational knockout win. Conor McGregor later surprised UFC fans by claiming that he will “butcher” Justin Gaethje if they ever fight inside the octagon. However, Justin Gaethje’s manager Ali Abdelaziz poured cold water over the idea as he went on to state that Justin Gaethje will face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight title next, before suggesting Conor McGregor could compete in the co-main event of the fight card.
UFC news: Ali Abdelaziz rejects the idea of Justin Gaethje vs Conor McGregor
ESPN's Bret Okamoto recently took to Twitter and claimed that Justin Gaethje’s manager slammed Conor McGregor for offering to pit himself against Justin Gaethje. According to Gaethje's manager, Conor McGregor had the chance to face Justin Gaethje in January but he chose to fight Donald Cerrone instead. Therefore, Ali Abdelaziz does not see Justin Gaethje facing Conor McGregor next, as Gaethje has already earned a title shot opposite Khabib Nurmagomedov. “The two kings of the division are going to fight in Khabib and Justin. Conor can be the co-main event," said Ali Abdelaziz, per Bret Okamoto.
Conor McGregor recently slammed a number of UFC fighters from his Twitter handle and Justin Gaethje was one of them. Conor McGregor claimed that he could easily take Justin Gaethje in a fight and insisted ‘The Highlight’ face him instead of lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, Justin Gaethje is yet to respond to Conor McGregor’s offer.
Also Read | Khabib Nurmagomedov Bites Back At Conor McGregor As UFC Superstars Exchange Verbal Blows
UFC news: Conor McGregor slams Khabib apart from Justin Gaethje
The former UFC double champion also slammed Khabib Nurmagomedov with one of his latest tweets. While Khabib fans trolled McGregor in the comments section, numerous Irish fans showed their support towards Conor McGregor. Here’s a look at the tweet.
Image courtesy: Instagram of Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje
Updated 16:37 IST, May 12th 2020