Justin Gaethje celebrates after defeating Tony Ferguson in their Interim lightweight title fight during UFC 249 (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Justin Gaethje produced one of his greatest performances in the win over Tony Ferguson in UFC 249
Justin Gaethje was crowned as the interim UFC Lightweight Champion after defeating Tony Ferguson at UFC 249.
The American came into this fight as an underdog as Ferguson was on a 12-match winning streak. Ferguson also was to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov for the Lightweight crown, but Khabib is in Russia and could not travel for UFC 249.
Gaethje was a short-notice replacement for Khabib, but the American put on a show for the UFC crown watching from around the world.
The match was held in an empty arena with no fans, but Gaethje didn’t let that affect him. He threw several punches at Ferguson and it was a surprise that his rival was able to stand for so long.
Ferguson’s eyes were swollen and the area around his eyeballs were also cut up due to the hit. The referee, Herb Dean, called off the fight in the final round as Ferguson didn’t seem to have his bearings.
Gaethje was crowned the interim champion but he threw away the belt.
Gaethje wants the main title, and that should be an interesting fight.
Gaethje also called out Khabib and wanted to fight the Russian for the main title. That should be an incredible fight given that both MMA stars have a background in wrestling.
However, Gaethje showed off his other side as he pummelled Ferguson with kicks and punches.
He didn’t use his wrestling game at all and even took on Ferguson’s unorthodox style without much fuss.
In all honesty, Ferguson only got one round out of the fight, and that was a slight advantage. He was magnanimous in defeat but didn’t enjoy losing it via a stoppage.
Khabib vs Gaethje should be incredible, and hopefully, we get to see it soon.
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