Gaethje On Why He'd Rather Fight McGregor Than Avenge Losses

Justin Gaethje would rather face Conor McGregor than run back his losses to Max Holloway or Charles Oliveira.

The newly crowned UFC lightweight champion told Paramount+ that his June upset of the previously unbeaten Ilia Topuria — who had beaten both Holloway and Oliveira — gave him all the revenge he needs. McGregor, who suffered a knee injury 19 seconds into his July comeback attempt against Holloway at UFC 329, is the fight Gaethje now finds most appealing.

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Gaethje's Reasoning On McGregor Bout

"Damn, there's really no one," Gaethje said, per MMA Fighting. "It would have been Oliveira or Holloway, but since Topuria beat them, I'm going to go ahead and justify it to myself like I got them back. So I guess McGregor. Fun to shut him up."

Gaethje, who won interim lightweight gold twice before capturing the undisputed belt at UFC White House, is expected to sit out until 2027 while recovering from hand injuries. Arman Tsarukyan fights Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on Sept. 19 in a bout that could determine the next title challenger.

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Gaethje said he is taking his retirement decision one fight at a time and relying on his team and family to guide him when the moment arrives. His next defense is projected for early 2027.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Justin Gaethje prefers Conor McGregor fight over avenging losses: ‘Fun to shut him up’