UFC 249: Justin Gaethje Ready To Fight Khabib Nurmagomedov

Khabib and Justin Gaethje (Photo: Twitter @teamkhabib)

JAKARTA - After being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mixed martial arts event titled UFC 249 can finally be held again at the Veterans Memorial Arena, Florida, United States, Saturday, May 9 local time.

In the core match, fighting for a duel with defending lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje who appeared dominant from the first round, in the 5th round was able to win TKO from Tony Ferguson. As a result, Gaethje then had a great opportunity to meet the defending champion.

Even so, Gaethje was still not indifferent. This can be seen in the interview session after the match. Where Gaethje still praises Khabib as one of the best fighters in the world.

“Khabib is indeed the best fighter in the world. However, I've been practicing fighting like this since I was four years old. And I am very happy to represent the United States against Khabib. Therefore, there is no greater challenge than fighting Khabib. "

Not only that, Gaethje also said the key to victory was not only because he had the best coach in the world. Because the other most important thing is to have a strong mentality.

“I told the coach that I was ready to fight, even to the death. That's the mental I have, so it's no longer about accepting defeat, moreover about not embarrassing myself and my family. "

With this victory, the defending champion Khabib seemed reluctant to comment on Justin Gaethje's victory. therefore, through his Twitter account @TeamKhabib, he wrote "No comment."

? Одни уходят и другие приходят, тут нечему удивляться.Но я раньше выстрела не упаду. Мы ещё повоюем. pic.twitter.com/kxLWX8E8Ah

- khabib nurmagomedov (TeamKhabib) May 10, 2020

Interestingly, not long after, Khabib then uploaded a photo of Gaethje while writing a message that he was ready to fight. “In this sport, hungry lions will always stalk you. If you relax, then you will end up. "

“In fact, some have come and some have left this sport, no one is surprised. But, I won't fall before fighting. And we will continue to fight, "he continued.

Khabib is blasphemed

Before the match took place, the day before, Khabib was blasphemed by netizens on social media such as Twitter. How could it not be, Khabib, who was originally scheduled to face Tony Ferguson in the race for the lightweight champion at UFC 249, instead chose to resign.

That is what caused Khabib to be labeled a coward by the public. But, Khabib has a defense for that, The Eagle said there had previously been miscommunication which led to his resignation from the UFC 249 stage.

In line with that, Khabib, who had already returned to Russia, could not come out of a lockdown or lockdown to curb the spread of the virus from Wuhan.

For this reason, Khabib was completely unable to fight with Ferguson. Luckily, UFC President Dana White has opened his voice. White himself admits that he should be responsible for Khabib's resignation. The rest, to believe the public, White also promised to be responsible.

"I'm sure all of you saw Khabib's upload: Hey, I'll be back fighting when Ramadan is over," concluded White.