Khabib Retires, Gaethje Awaits Duel Against McGregor For The Champion Belt

JAKARTA - Justin Gaethje admitted to being disappointed after being crushed by Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC 254 fight, Sunday, October 25. However, at the same time he is optimistic about the future of winning the world heavyweight champion belt against Conor McGregor.

Khabib's retirement increases his chances of becoming the UFC light heavyweight number one fighter and he can't wait to get back to the octagon with McGregor for the currently vacant championship belt Khabib has let go of.

Humble in defeat.This isn't the last we'll see of @Justin_Gaethje 🎤 [# UFC254 | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi] pic.twitter.com/BmxnKBkBz3

- UFC (@ufc) October 25, 2020

"With (Khabib) retiring, I will become the number one fighter," said Gaethje quoted by Antara from MMA Fighting News, Monday.

“(Dustin) Poirier and McGregor will fight. They haven't officially stated it yet, so if McGregor wants to get the belt, I'm here, "he said.

Poirier, who defeated Gaethje in April 2018, agreed to face McGregor in the UFC event on January 23. However, the fight has not been confirmed by either side.

President Dana White earlier this week admitted that he was trying to materialize this duel but neither Poirier nor McGregor's representatives had responded to the offer.

Undefeated. Undisputed.Listen to the lightweight king speak one last time at # UFC254 [#InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi] pic.twitter.com/ToSwWymNL1

- UFC (@ufc) October 25, 2020

Meanwhile, Gaethje is optimistic that he can carry out the next duel because in the fight against Khabib, he did not suffer many injuries. The US fighter was only knocked unconscious by the crushing blow released by Russian fighter Khabib in the second round.

"Choking is just a sweet little dream, and it continues to the next dream," said Gaethje recounting the moment when he received a "triangle choke" from Khabib.

“I'm not a doctor, but sure there won't be serious consequences when you choke, I love it. And now there are belts to be fought over, "he concluded.

pic.twitter.com/r5HDrJk4D1

- UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020