Islam Makhachev’s move up to 170 pounds has created a ripple effect throughout the UFC lightweight division.
Former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is set to face Charles Oliveira (35-10 MMA, 23-10 UFC) for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 next month, while the rest of the 155-pound contenders jockey for position to challenge the winner.
Justin Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) had been a top contender to face Makhachev before the champion announced his decision to move up to welterweight. Despite the shake-up, Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, still believes his fighter remains the frontrunner to face whoever emerges victorious at UFC 317.
"I think Justin Gaethje's the No. 1 contender," Abdelaziz said during an interview with MMA Junkie. "He was supposed to fight Dan Hooker, and Hooker didn't show up. He stepped up for the company, fought Rafael Fiziev (at UFC 313), and I think he should wait and fight the winner. That's what I think he should do, but in reality, this game leaves people behind, and I don't want this game to leave him behind. If it makes sense, Justin will fight. Justin is afraid of no one. He will fight anyone. It has to make sense for him."
Speculation has been growing that Justin Gaethje could potentially face Paddy Pimblett in October, while Arman Tsarukyan’s name has also emerged as a possible opponent in the conversation.
"Who cares? It doesn't matter," Abdelaziz said. "If you're a fighter and you think you're the best in the world, you have to beat the best guys. You don't pick and choose. Justin Gaethje never picked an opponent, never chose an opponent. He will fight you anywhere, any time. It doesn't really matter, but it has to be fair. A guy who gave his title shot to save International Fight Week and fight Max Holloway. He knocked out Dustin Poirier and Dustin Poirier got a title shot. How are you going to tell him he can't get the next title shot?"
Gaethje has previously challenged for the UFC lightweight title twice, suffering submission losses to both Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. While he would welcome a chance to avenge his defeat to "Do Bronx," the idea of Gaethje being the first fighter to hand Ilia Topuria a loss is one that particularly excites his manager.
"If Ilia wins, Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria is a blockbuster fight," Abdelaziz said.
