Imagine finding out your hardest punch ever landed...didn't matter. That's the bittersweet reality Justin Gaethje is grappling with after a surprising revelation from none other than Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Khabib's abrupt retirement in 2020 sent shockwaves through the UFC world. Many considered him the most dominant champion ever, a force of nature who seemed unstoppable. But here's where it gets controversial... Did he leave too soon? Did he rob fans of witnessing even greater achievements? His decision remains a hot topic of debate.
His final fight saw him defend his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje, a unification bout that pitted the champion against the interim titleholder, fresh off a victory against Tony Ferguson. Leading up to the fight, many analysts believed Gaethje, with his wrestling pedigree and devastating striking power, would be Khabib's toughest challenge to date. But 'The Eagle' lived up to his reputation, submitting Gaethje in the second round, seemingly unfazed.
But here's the twist! Despite the dominant victory, Khabib recently revealed something that surprised everyone, especially Gaethje himself. Even though Khabib looked virtually untouchable throughout his UFC career (with the exception of a debated fight against Gleison Tibau, which even Joe Rogan believes he lost, sparking ongoing arguments about Khabib's 'perfect' record), he singled out Gaethje as his most powerful opponent.
"He hit like a truck. Nobody hit me harder than Justin Gaethje, his kick, his punch, his left hook, his right hook, right uppercut," Khabib stated on Mike Tyson's "Hotboxin'" podcast. And this is the part most people miss... It wasn't just a throwaway compliment. Khabib genuinely seemed impressed by Gaethje's raw power.
Gaethje, known for his explosive fighting style and legendary wars inside the octagon, is widely regarded as one of the hardest-hitting lightweights of all time. So, how did 'The Highlight' react to this unexpected praise? Not quite how you might think.
"I hit him really hard, I hit him really hard," Gaethje acknowledged in a recent social media video. "I kicked him really hard and then hit him with a good right hand. Hearing Khabib say I hit him the hardest doesn’t feel that good because he still beat me. I still did not win the championship so, I mean it’s, yeah I don’t know, it’s cool," Gaethje admitted, his tone a mix of pride and disappointment. The compliment, while appreciated, couldn't erase the memory of defeat.
Gaethje's reaction highlights a key aspect of competitive sports: ultimately, it's the win that matters most. Even the acknowledgment of superior power can't fully compensate for falling short of the ultimate goal.
Now, the question on everyone's mind is: will Justin Gaethje get another shot at the UFC lightweight title? Earlier this year, 'The Highlight' issued a bold ultimatum to the UFC: give him the next title shot, or he'll retire. Dana White, never one to back down from a challenge, dismissed Gaethje's demand as "whacky" and even suggested he should retire. Ouch!
Since then, the lightweight title picture remains somewhat murky. White recently hinted that Ilia Topuria will likely defend his title on the first UFC event on Paramount. But who will Topuria face? Could it be Gaethje, or will the UFC opt for a more marketable matchup against British sensation Paddy Pimblett, a fighter with whom Topuria has a well-documented rivalry?
The UFC's decision will likely be influenced by a number of factors, including fan interest, potential pay-per-view revenue, and the overall narrative surrounding each fighter. Gaethje's ultimatum certainly hasn't helped his case, but his undeniable talent and exciting fighting style could still earn him another title opportunity.
What do you think? Does Gaethje deserve another title shot, even after his ultimatum? Or should the UFC prioritize other contenders? And more broadly, is it wise for fighters to publicly pressure the UFC like Gaethje did, or does it ultimately backfire? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
