Islam Makhachev was quick to respond to the challenge issued by Justin Gaethje , former interim UFC lightweight champion (up to 70,3kg) . In an exchange of messages on social media, the two fighters expressed interest in facing each other in the octagon, in a possible title fight.
It all started when Gaethje, who is coming off a knockout victory over Michael Chandler , posted on his X profile (formerly Twitter) that he was waiting for a call from the UFC to confirm the fight. The American even taunted the Russian, saying he wanted to see who could kick the other in the head first.
See too
"I'm waiting for the call (from the UFC). I'm ready whenever you want, UFC. Let's see who can kick the other's head first, Islam Makhachev . Do Bronx had his chance and didn't show up for the rematch. That's how things are," he wrote.
Waiting on the call. Ready when you are @ufc @danawhite Let's see who can kick the others head off first @MAKHACHEVMMA Do Bronx had his shot and didn't show up for the rematch. It is what it is. https://t.co/Wg83vtmLHm
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) December 26, 2023
Makhachev's answer
Makhachev, who won the lightweight title by submitting Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 , didn't take it lightly and responded to the challenge with a short but intimidating message:
“I can do more than kick, be careful,” wrote the champion, who is undefeated in 13 fights in the UFC.
I can do more than kicking, be careful 😉😴💤 https://t.co/yyCSbd7mVm
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) December 27, 2023
A possible fight between Makhachev and Gaethje has been speculated for some time, as the two are considered the best in the lightweight division currently.
Furthermore, there is a rivalry between the two fighters' teams, as Islam is a friend and protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov , the former lightweight champion who retired after defeating the American.
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
You need to log in to comment.