Gaethje rejects five-rounder vs Chandler: I’m paid the same; I’ll save my ‘death in that cage’ for title bout

One of the most exciting matchups in recent memory has been made official for UFC 268. Former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje will return…

By: Milan Ordoñez | 2 years ago
Gaethje rejects five-rounder vs Chandler: I’m paid the same; I’ll save my ‘death in that cage’ for title bout
Bloody Elbow 2.0 | Anton Tabuena

One of the most exciting matchups in recent memory has been made official for UFC 268. Former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje will return after a year on the sidelines to take on Michael Chandler.

Many of you probably want it to receive the Diaz brothers treatment and make it a five-rounder. “The Highlight,” however, isn’t too keen on having those extra two rounds.

Here’s his explanation in a recent interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.

F—k that. Why would I sign up for two more rounds? I get paid the same. I get paid the same, at the end of the day. If I’m gonna ever suffer a critical, chronic (injury), or ultimately death in that cage, it will be in round four or five. So I’ll save those for championship fights or main events. I’m cool.

UFC 268 takes place on November 6th at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Headlining the event is a welterweight title rematch between Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington.

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About the author
Milan Ordoñez
Milan Ordoñez

Milan Ordoñez has been covering combat sports since 2012 and has been part of the Bloody Elbow staff since 2016. He’s also competed in amateur mixed martial arts and submission grappling tournaments.

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