We all know that Conor McGregor isn’t retired. The Irishman continues to be linked to fights. In short, he just isn’t happy that he can’t fight Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title. There is a standoff between him and the UFC but unlike other fighters, he doesn’t need the money.
Justin Gaethje still wants to fight ‘The Notorious.’ Riding a four-fight win-streak, his confidence has never been higher. That’s why he thinks that he would destroy McGregor in a fight. Of course, he would say that, but it’s definitely an interesting match-up.
It would be a clash of striking styles for sure. Doubts remain regarding McGregor’s gas tank. However, Dustin Poirier and Eddie Alvarez both beat Gaethje before. Meanwhile, the Notorious knocked out both of them too. ‘The Highlight’ told ESPN that he could beat McGregor after three rounds.
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Wait
Gaethje says McGregor should wait until after the lightweight unification fight. Then he will be next in line for a title shot. He also believes that McGregor will definitely want to fight him but not Khabib. Furthermore, he paid the Irishman a lot of respect for his achievements.
“I think he should wait for the winner of me and Khabib,” Gaethje told ESPN. “If I win, I think he definitely comes back. If Khabib wins, I don’t know. I’m not sure about that. (Conor’s) a legend, man. What he did was legendary status. I’ll never take that away from him. He deserves credit. He’s accomplished so much in this sport. What every fighter wants to attain, he accomplished, so hats off to him. I can’t wait to punch him in the face.”
Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Distance
‘The Highlight’ believes that distance control is key to victory. In short, he thinks that his leg kicks will make the difference. However, it is important to note that McGregor is one of the cleanest counter strikers in the UFC and his stand-up game is excellent. This would be a fascinating match-up.
“Distance control is the No. 1 factor in any fight,” Gaethje said. “It’s established in the first 30 seconds. It’s not visible, but it’s established, and that would be a huge factor in our fight. Who can control the distance? I think the best thing about me is I can kick the f**k out of people, so when they are trying to control distance or maybe they are winning at that, I can kick them in the leg and try to reset that. So I think I would knock him out to be honest.”
Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Return
Only time will tell when McGregor fights again. The UFC doesn’t want to use him in an empty venue because he is such a lucrative commodity. However, McGregor normally gets what he wants. A fight against Gaethje is probably more likely than not. The Irishman is reportedly in great shape at the moment too.
Negotiations with ‘The Notorious’ are never easy. When you’re a superstar you don’t settle for less than you’re worth. But you also make people listen to you because they can’t afford to say no. That’s the difference between McGregor and Jorge Masvidal.