Cejudo Names Nurmagomedov Toughest Gaethje Matchup

Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo believes free agent Usman Nurmagomedov would give lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje more problems than any other contender in the division.

Cejudo told the Pound 4 Pound podcast that Nurmagomedov's physical dimensions make him a nightmare stylistic puzzle for Gaethje, per BJPenn.com. "The toughest matchup for Justin Gaethje, it is Usman Nurmagomedov," Cejudo said. "Before then, I was thinking it was Arman [Tsarukyan], but dude, Justin Gaethje's dad said something that triggered Ilia [Topuria]. Justin Gaethje has a really good time with shorter guys."

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Why Nurmagomedov Poses Unique Problems For Champion

Cejudo noted that Gaethje has consistently handled smaller opponents like Rafael Fiziev and Ilia Topuria, but a taller lightweight with Nurmagomedov's grappling pedigree changes the equation. Nurmagomedov holds the PFL lightweight title and became a free agent after knocking out Archie Colgan in July. Gaethje won't defend his belt until 2027 while his hands heal from the Topuria fight at UFC Freedom 250.

Arman Tsarukyan faces Mauricio Ruffy in the UFC 331 co-main event on September 19, with his team expecting a title shot next if he wins. Should Nurmagomedov sign with the UFC, potential first opponents discussed among fans include Paddy Pimblett and Charles Oliveira, though nothing is official until the cousin of Khabib commits to a promotion.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Free agent Usman Nurmagomedov is ‘toughest matchup’ for Justin Gaethje, says Henry Cejudo