According to reports, Justin Gaethje has expressed his willingness to retire from MMA if Conor McGregor secures a title shot following his comeback fight. However, McGregor, the former UFC two-division champion, appears to find the notion amusing.
After recovering from an injury, McGregor is expected to face Michael Chandler in a welterweight bout later this year. Given his impressive track record and immense popularity, it's not far-fetched to consider the possibility of McGregor receiving a title shot if he wins. Numerous fighters are always eager to call him out.
Nevertheless, if this scenario unfolds, Gaethje, who currently boasts a 24-4 MMA record with 7-4 in UFC, will reportedly be very disappointed.
“Would I quit if Conor won and they gave him a title shot? Probably,” Gaethje told ESPN. “That’s how hurt I would be by the actions of the company that I represent. But that’s out of my control. I just really hope that doesn’t happen.
“We can imagine a lot of things, but there’s a possibility that that’s the scenario, which I would be devastated, for sure.”
In response, McGregor went on Twitter.
“This braindead fool got a title shot off of one single win and it was vs chandler,” McGregor tweeted. “Yet he will quit and retire if I get the same thing. Classic Gathje bird brain. #Jackass Two Title attempt. No wins.”
Justin Gaethje has solidified his status as one of the top lightweight contenders in the UFC with a majority decision victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286. Gaethje has expressed his desire to have a rematch with fellow former interim champion Dustin Poirier, who defeated him by fourth-round TKO in what was considered the 2018 Fight of the Year.
“I’m a much different, more mature fighter, as is (Poirier), but I think we’re two of the best in the world,” Gaethje said. “Neither one of us have a fight lined up, so no-brainer. It leads to big title discussions. I gave the new guys a chance, they proved that they can’t crack it yet with the experienced. At the end of the day, it comes down to their ability to fight a smart fight and not get too tired.”