UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje (28-5) has dismissed retirement, and instead has his sights set on facing Conor McGregor (22-6), saying the financial and legacy appeal of facing the Irishman is impossible to ignore.
Gaethje said he has not yet made a firm decision, but his instincts are pointing him back toward competition once he has recovered after his upset win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14.
McGregor, who has one fight left on his UFC contract following his July 11 welterweight bout vs Max Holloway, has also said Gaethje is one of the names on his radar. Justin will be ringside at UFC 329 in Las Vegas to watch McGregor face Holloway to witness how Conor performs in his first fight in five years.
“For right now, I feel like I’m going to fight again. That’s what I feel inside my body. I haven’t made a choice. I would love to punch Conor McGregor in the face. There’s no doubt he’s one of the biggest superstars in the sport. Fighting a guy like that obviously does great things for me financially and for my legendary status. I’m excited about that fight. I’m excited to be there and then watch it,” GaethjeÂ