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BMF champion Justin Gaethje is calling for a title shot.
Over the weekend, Islam Makhachev made quick work of Alex Volkanoski at UFC 294.
After the fight, Makhachev didn’t seem too interested in another rematch against Charles Oliveira, who was forced off the card due to an injury.
“When you have rematch it’s like same, when you have exactly same opponent you’re training like you did the same camp, it not make you happy…but when you prepare for some new opponents, it’s different, and you become good fighter when you’re training for other opponents, because every other opponent have something more, something different.
@jzosportsmma Islam Makhachev says hes not interested in fighing Charles Oliveira again because itll end the same #islammakhachev #charlesoliveira #ufc294 #alexvolkanovski
While speaking to ESPN, Gaethje said he should get the title shot next because it would a “fresh matchup” considering Makhachev has already beaten Oliveira.
“I think it should absolutely (be me). I mean, I’m number two, I knocked out Poirier,” Gaethje said. “I mean, Charles Oliveira is ahead of me, but he obviously already lost to Makhachev. I have not fought Makhachev. it’s a fresh matchup, a new matchup, and I think that’s what the fans are looking for.
“I think he (Makhachev) would have dominated Oliveira just the same. Oliveira beat me, (but) MMA math doesn’t work,” Gaethje continued. “I’ve said he’s not Khabib, but I think he might be, so I just wanna go out there and figure it out.”
Unfortunately for Gaethje, UFC CEO Dana White has already stated that he believes Oliveira should get the title shot next.
“Yeah, listen, you’ve got to give it to Oliveira,” “I mean, Oliveira was ready to go. Unfortunately, he got cut. But yeah, I think you give it to Oliveira. But again, these are all questions that I really can’t answer right now. We get home, we’ll figure this stuff out and see what’s next for everybody.”