Justin Gaethje has his sights set on Kevin Lee.
Justin Gaethje is a former champion in World Series Of Fighting, and a current UFC Lightweight contender. He debuted in the UFC with a thrilling knockout over Michale Johnson, but came up short in his last outing against former Champion Eddie Alvarez. Their headline fight at UFC 218 was a three round war, which ended with Geathje being floored by a knee.
But it seems as if Gaethje is already ready to get back on the horse. Fellow Lightweight Kevin Lee has recovered from his recent Interim title bout against Tony Ferguson, which he lost by third round triangle, and it appears the two have reasons to fight that supersede business.
Gaethje went on the MMA Hour on Tuesday to describe his relationship with Lee.
“First time I ever met him, he was nice. Then he talked shit saying I was fanboying over him. He doesn’t know what respect is. I’ll never show him respect again, that’s for sure.
“I just like punching loudmouths in the face,” Gaethje said. “I’m sure I’ll get the itch sooner rather than later. I said I wanted to wait around until June, July. But I’m sure I’ll get the itch sooner.”
“It’s too soon, but we’ll see how things play out,” Gaethje added, “I might want to beat up Kevin Lee, that kid over there I want to beat up.”
The two are a fascinating matchup in both style and substance. Lee is a decent striker who prefers to impose his wrestling, advance position on the mat, and finish with strikes or a submission, whereas Gaethje is a brawler who will take 10 to give 1, and usually comes out better from the trade.
Gaethje is also a straightforward and frank character whereas Lee has used some amusing antics and his gift of gab to speed his ascent up the Lightweight ladder throughout 2017.
As Gaethje said, it would be wise to take some time off after his close but brutal loss, and it doesn’t seem as if Lee would mind waiting.
Both are at the doorstep of a title shot but there is really no rush, and the top two contenders at Lightweight, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Interim champion Tony Ferguson, are now stalled by official champion Conor McGregor’s absence.
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