Charles of the Bronx in face with Justin gaethje. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Reportedly irritated by the scenario in the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg.) Justin gaethje in addition to having already threatened to retire if he doesn't fight for the belt next, he has now started to criticize the choice of Charles of the Bronx as the next title challenger. In the veteran's view, the leaders made a mistake in leaving him aside and opting for a duel between a Brazilian and Ilia Topuria in the main fight of UFC 317, where they compete for the division throne on June 28.
“They came to my house and begged me to fight the Max Holloway No. UFC 300. I'm 3-1 in my last four (fights). I consider that an exhibition fight, there was nothing (involved) with ranking. Islam (Makhachev) has been saying he wants to fight me and they could easily schedule it, but they didn't. So he relinquished (the belt) and Charles, who already lost to Makhachev (is called up) and they bring in a brand new guy (Ilia Topuria) and I got f*cked up again,” Gaethje told The Makeshift Project.
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Currently ranked third, Gaethje is coming off a victory over Raphael Fiziev, in which he once again defeated his rival by the judges' decision. The athlete's career was recently marked by the frightening knockout he suffered in a fight against Max Holloway No. UFC 300. Since then, the veteran has not been publicly considered to fight for the lightweight belt.
Protagonists of UFC 317, Topuria and Charles will face each other in Las Vegas (USA), on June 28. At stake will be the lightweight belt, which was relinquished by Makhachev after the Russian moved to the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg).
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