Justin Gaethje’s fight week hasn’t started well, as he has had to dig into his pockets to pay his coach for a bet they made.
On Saturday at UFC 313, Justin Gaethje finally returns to the Octagon for the first time since last April when he was viciously knocked out by Max Holloway.
After taking some time off to consider what it is that he wants from fighting at this point in his career, ‘The Highlight’ decided that he wants at least one more run to the title.
That was scheduled to begin with a fight against Dan Hooker this coming Saturday but unfortunately, Hooker withdrew from the fight just over a week out.
Fortunately for the fanbase, former foe, Rafael Fiziev stepped in on short notice and the two are set for an epic rematch of their 2023 war.
Justin Gaethje loses $1000 bet with his coach ahead of UFC 313 fight
Gaethje’s fight week hasn’t gotten off to the best of starts as he finds himself $1000 down after he and his coach, Lucas Caudillo, made a bet ahead of UFC 313 fight week.
“Six weeks ago we made a bet and I told him it’s $1000 if he can get to 200(lbs),” Gaethje told UFC Embedded.
Caudillo first weighed in at 201lbs before quickly plunging into the ice bath to shed the last lb to earn his $1000.
“He really wants this money, his wife must’ve taken his allowance away. I’m officially $1000 cheaper,” Gaethje hilariously commented.
Of course, $1000 won’t dent ‘The Highlight’s’ pockets too much, and with an emphatic win this Saturday, the Arizonan can add to his $900,000 earned in post-fight bonuses.
Could Justin Gaethje earn the next lightweight title shot?
The top of the lightweight division is relatively up in the air at the moment and there is no clear next challenger for Islam Makhachev.
The promotion may be planning on setting up a fight between Ilia Topuria and Makhachev, after Topuria shockingly vacated his featherweight title recently, however, Makhachev and his team aren’t keen on that fight.
And with both Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira likely needing another win before they are considered for a title shot, it leaves the door potentially open for Gaethje to slide in.