UFC superstar Justin Gaethje still needs to make a huge improvement after UFC 313, according to one of his top training partners.
Justin Gaethje proved he isn’t done contending for UFC gold with his triumphant showing at UFC 313. Almost a full year after suffering a buzzer-beating knockout defeat to Max Holloway, Gaethje looked rejuvenated and as dangerous as he’s ever been in outpointing Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision.
Gaethje, a longtime UFC fan favorite, is back in the lightweight title mix with his victory at UFC 313. He held firm on his Top 3 spot in the rankings as he pursues a potential third career shot at the lightweight championship.
But as Gaethje prepares for another run at the title, his former champion teammate believes now is the time to fill a significant hole in his game.
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Kamaru Usman is brutally honest on Justin Gaethje’s marketability after UFC 313
During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman questioned Gaethje for not promoting himself on the mic.
“You gotta sell yourself sometimes,” Usman said of Gaethje. “This is where you do it because as much of a performer you are in there, you gotta give them something to look forward to. This is what the WWE, and ‘The Rock’ and these guys do so well.
“Justin, you gotta do a little better job of that. But he’s just so d— honest, which is why I love that frickin’ dude.” (h/t MMA News)
Gaethje’s fan-friendly style and ‘highlight’ moniker make him a UFC superstar athlete. But Gaethje rarely trash talks at press conferences or in the media and has been at the center of modest beef with a handful of fighters during his career.
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Justin Gaethje targets Islam Makhachev, dismisses a trilogy after UFC 313
Gaethje could be next in line for UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev after UFC 313. Makhachev is expected to return later this year after defeating Renato Moicano at UFC 311.
UFC CEO Dana White endorsed Gaethje’s case for a title shot after defeating Fiziev. Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira, and Arman Tsarukyan are also in the mix for Makhachev’s next title defense.
Gaethje admits he’ll need a ‘perfect’ performance to take out the UFC’s pound-for-pound king Makhachev. Interestingly, Gaethje and Makhachev share the same manager, which could potentially impact fight talks.
One potential matchup tossed around after UFC 313 for Gaethje was a trilogy with Dustin Poirier. But Gaethje has no interest in facing Poirier, and Poirier is rumored to face Holloway later this year.
Regardless of who Gaethje fights next, it’s sure to be another high-profile matchup. Before he hangs up the gloves, Gaethje isn’t giving up on his pursuit of UFC gold to add to his Hall of Fame resume.
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