Justin Gaethje's hopes for a fight with Conor McGregor seem unlikely. On Wednesday, during the UFC 329 media day, McGregor responded to Gaethje's call for a future fight.
What happened?
Conor McGregor told Justin Gaethje to "join the queue" after Gaethje expressed interest in a fight. McGregor faces Max Holloway on Saturday.
Why it matters for Justin Gaethje
McGregor's response indicates he's not interested in returning to 155 pounds to fight Gaethje. McGregor mentioned the "triple crown", aiming to win a UFC title in three divisions.
What comes next?
Justin Gaethje holds the lightweight belt, but McGregor seems focused on his upcoming fight against Max Holloway at 170 pounds. McGregor's last fight was in 2021, and he's been recovering from a broken leg.
McGregor's comment about the "triple crown" suggests he's looking to become the first fighter to win UFC titles in three different weight classes. He's already a former featherweight and lightweight champion.
Conor McGregor faces Max Holloway on Saturday, his first fight since 2021. McGregor was supposed to return in 2024 but withdrew due to a broken toe.
Justin Gaethje's current status as lightweight champion didn't seem to impress McGregor. McGregor mentioned that Max Holloway had previously beaten Gaethje, leaving him "face down, ass up".
The exchange between McGregor and Gaethje adds to the tension in the UFC lightweight division. McGregor's focus on the "triple crown" and his upcoming fight against Holloway may indicate that a fight with Gaethje is not imminent.
McGregor's response to Gaethje was direct, telling him to "join the queue". This suggests that McGregor has other priorities and is not currently interested in fighting Gaethje.
The UFC 329 event will feature McGregor's return to the octagon after a long recovery period. His fight against Max Holloway is highly anticipated, and the outcome may impact the lightweight division.
Justin Gaethje will likely continue to defend his lightweight title, but a fight against McGregor seems unlikely in the near future. Gaethje's next title defense may be against a different opponent.
Conor McGregor's goal of achieving the "triple crown" is ambitious, and his upcoming fight against Holloway will be a significant step towards this goal. McGregor's performance on Saturday will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
The UFC lightweight division is highly competitive, with several top fighters vying for the title. Justin Gaethje's current status as champion will be challenged, and his next title defense will be highly anticipated.
McGregor's comment about Gaethje being a "f*cking bum" adds to the tension between the two fighters. The exchange between them may lead to a future fight, but for now, McGregor seems focused on his upcoming bout against Holloway.
The UFC 329 event will take place on Saturday, featuring McGregor's return to the octagon. The outcome of his fight against Holloway will have significant implications for the lightweight division and Justin Gaethje's title reign.