Summary:
- Justin Gaethje expresses his interest in competing for the 'iconic' BMF belt and targeting a title fight next.
- Gaethje sees the BMF belt as a significant addition to a fighter's legacy and a step towards the championship.
- He believes the winner of his bout with Dustin Poirier will likely face the winner of a fight in October for a title shot.
- Gaethje desires a future fight with Islam to avenge a previous loss and vie for the championship.
- While acknowledging the rivalry, Gaethje holds no hard feelings toward Poirier and respects him as a worthy competitor.
In a recent interview, Justin Gaethje expressed his desire to compete for the 'iconic' BMF belt, while also eyeing a shot at the title in his next fight. Gaethje, known for his thrilling fighting style, is set to face off against Dustin Poirier on July 29th.
Gaethje reflected on his journey and the BMF belt, emphasizing its significance in his career. He acknowledged the growth both he and Poirier have undergone since their previous encounter, not considering it a major factor in his current game plan.
While discussing the BMF belt, Gaethje praised its iconic status, mentioning that only two fighters in the world have contested for it, with him and Poirier now set to become the third and fourth. Gaethje believes that competing for this belt adds to a fighter's legacy and brings them closer to the championship conversation.
Regarding potential future matchups, Gaethje didn't dwell too much on the number one contender position, as he and Poirier are ranked third and second, respectively. He expressed confidence that the winner of their bout will likely face the winner of the fight in October, and possibly be ready for that fight if they sustain minimal damage.
When asked about his preferred opponent for the title fight, Gaethje expressed a desire to face Islam, whom he views as Khabib Nurmagomedov's prodigy. With a win over Islam, Gaethje believes he could reclaim a loss and secure a chance to fight for the championship.
Gaethje acknowledged the rivalry with Dustin Poirier but stressed that he harbors no hard feelings. He sees their upcoming fight as a chance for two of the best fighters in the world to prove themselves and earn a shot at the title.
While Gaethje remains focused on his own fight, he revealed that he's been following The Ultimate Fighter, where one of his teammates, Austin Hubbard, is competing in the semifinals. However, Gaethje had little interest in discussing a potential matchup with Conor McGregor and dismissed any speculation about a fight with Michael Chandler.
In his final message to Dustin Poirier ahead of their July 29th showdown, Gaethje conveyed mutual respect while emphasizing their shared goal of competing for the iconic belt and eventually challenging for the world championship.
The anticipation for the clash between Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier continues to build, as fans eagerly await their matchup to determine who will hold the 'iconic' BMF belt and move closer to the title contention.