NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 06: Justin Gaethje celebrates after his decision victory over Michael Chandler in their lightweight bout during the UFC 268 event at Madison Square Garden on November 06, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Justin Gaethje offers rare praise to UFC star Conor McGregor
Justin Gaethje, a fierce rival of Conor McGregor in the UFC, has surprised many by offering a rare compliment to the former two-weight world champion, describing him as an “amazing fighter.” Over the years, Gaethje and McGregor have exchanged unkind words, and their relationship has been further strained due to Gaethje being managed by Ali Abdelaziz, someone who McGregor holds in low regard in the world of MMA.
In a recent interview, Gaethje shed light on why McGregor is such a fan favorite and the highest-paid athlete in the sport. Despite McGregor not having won a fight in over three years, Gaethje acknowledged his rival’s fighting ability and entertaining style as the perfect combination that has catapulted him to such immense popularity and financial success.
“You know Conor McGregor is the most paid athlete in this sport by far because of a specific reason,” Gaethje said on the Fighting & Finance podcast. “Two specific reasons: He’s an amazing fighter and he’s entertaining as hell. So those two things are a perfect combination.”
Gaethje, currently 34 years old, has had a mixed record in his last four fights, going 2-2. In his most recent bout at UFC 286 in London, he secured a decision victory over Rafael Fiziev. His next fight is scheduled against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 in July, a rematch that holds great significance as Poirier has defeated McGregor in their last two encounters. The fight between Gaethje and Poirier will also determine the unofficial ‘BMF’ title, previously held by Jorge Masvidal.
Reflecting on the upcoming fight, Gaethje explained his decision to decline a five-round matchup, opting for a three-round bout instead, under the condition that both fighters receive equal pay. However, the UFC presented an opportunity to compete for the ‘BMF’ championship, which Gaethje found enticing due to the benefits it brings, including a share of the pay-per-view revenue. He acknowledged that the UFC went above and beyond by providing this opportunity and acknowledged that it significantly increased his earnings.
The ‘BMF’ championship holds both symbolic and financial value for Gaethje, highlighting the rare occasion where the UFC offers additional incentives to the fighters. It exemplifies the business side of the sport and demonstrates the UFC’s willingness to reward its athletes. Gaethje appreciates the opportunities that come with the championship and recognizes the UFC’s decision to throw a bone at the fighters in this particular instance, acknowledging the financial benefits it brings to the fighters involved.
While Gaethje’s compliment may come as a surprise to some, it showcases a nuanced perspective on McGregor’s impact in the sport. McGregor’s fighting prowess and entertaining persona have undeniably contributed to his success and made him a major draw for fans. As Gaethje prepares for his own high-stakes matchup against Poirier, the praise he has given McGregor sheds light on the multifaceted nature of the sport and the respect fighters have for one another’s abilities, despite their differences outside the Octagon.
Eddie Alvarez, a former UFC Lightweight Champion, has provided Michael Chandler with advice on how to defeat Conor McGregor. UFC President Dana White would like to schedule McGregor vs. Chandler before the end of the year, but there is currently no set date for the fight. McGregor has resolved his issues with the USADA and will soon return to the testing pool.
According to Alvarez, Chandler should try to grapple with the “Notorious” one early in their fight, as he stated in an interview with ESPN.
“Mike Chandler is a hell of an athlete,” Alvarez told ESPN. “I just think stylistically, the way he’s been fighting and the strategy he’s been going about fighting isn’t the way to get it done against Conor McGregor. And I would implore him if I was his coach to change his style, to go for single legs, to go for shots, and force Conor to wrestle early.”
“You have to force him to wrestle early so he don’t have the powerful tools that he’s able to take advantage of (against) all these other guys – quick feet, good range, great striking. You take that away when you wrestle him early. Wrestle him early enough and tire his shoulders down, tire his legs down, slow him down, and he’s half the striker that he can be when he’s fully energized.”
For better or worse, Chandler sometimes forgoes his wrestling in favour of standup. To what extent he chooses to engage in a grappling match with McGregor in an effort to tire him out and ultimately finish him remains to be seen. He could even try to attack with leg kicks.
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