UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje expressed frustration about his position in the title picture, revealing that UFC executives personally visited his residence to persuade him to compete against Max Holloway at the milestone UFC 300 event.
“They owe me a championship fight,” Gaethje stated firmly. “I’m three and one in my last four. They came to my house, begged me to fight Max Holloway on UFC 300.”
Despite accepting that bout, which resulted in a spectacular knockout loss to Holloway, Gaethje considers it separate from his championship aspirations.
“I consider it an exhibition fight. I don’t mean that the loss is not on my record. I mean, it had nothing to do with the rankings,” he explained.
The former interim lightweight champion pointed out what he perceives as inconsistencies in the UFC’s matchmaking decisions. He noted that Dustin Poirier, whom Gaethje defeated previously, received a title opportunity after a victory over Benoit Saint Denis.
Adding to his frustration, Gaethje mentioned that after Islam Makhachev vacated the title, the UFC opted to match Charles Oliveira against Arman Tsarukyan for the vacant belt, despite Oliveira’s recent record and previous loss to Makhachev.
“Oliver’s two in two in his last four. I already has a loss to Makhachev, and they bring a brand new guy in. And I get, you know, again,” Gaethje remarked.
The hard-hitting lightweight now insists he’ll only compete in high-risk matchups under specific conditions: “I’m not going to fight any of these motherf***ers for fun unless they pay me so much more money. I’m going to take a risky fight. And if I lose, I’m going to be set up. And if I win, I’m for a belt, or I’m not doing it.”
Despite his dissatisfaction, Gaethje emphasized his loyalty to the promotion: “I love fighting for this show. I’d never want to fight somewhere else. But I’m not going to just throw my legacy away for anybody, really.”
With his reputation for delivering consistently thrilling performances, Gaethje believes he deserves recognition comparable to what dedicated employees receive in other industries: “I’m the most consistent guy. I think anybody that’s ever performed for their company and being as consistent as of an employee for their company, gets a Christmas bonus. Get a thank you. Get a good job.”
