JUST THE TICKET
JUSTIN GAETHJE still wants to settle the score with Conor McGregor - but only after fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Gaethje - who chased a clash with the Irishman throughout 2019 - was in talks to face McGregor this summer.
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But after Nurmagomedov, 31, was unable to defend his lightweight belt at UFC 249 amid the coronavirus pandemic, the 31-year-old American stepped in on late notice to defeat Tony Ferguson, 36, for the interim title.
It now sets him up with a unification against Nurmagomedov,.
Gaethje is not interested in giving up his shot at the unbeaten Russian even for a fight against 31-year-old Irish star McGregor.
But the current interim champion insisted he will then travel to enemy territory and face The Notorious in Ireland.
Gaethje said: "Khabib is the best in the world. I’ve been working since I was four for challenges like this.
"And I’m happy to represent the United States of America versus Dagestan or Russia’s best.
"He’s 28-0 and there’s no other challenge I want right now. I want to fight him.
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“Then I’ll go to Ireland and do what I got to do.”
UFC president Dana White revealed last week that McGregor had been asking him when he could return to the octagon, and confirmed his interest in competing on 'Fight Island'.
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But he finds himself momentarily frozen out of the lightweight title picture with White looking to have Nurmagomedov and Gaethje unify the belts in their next fights.
He said: “Khabib tweeted that he’s ready to go this summer.
“So we’ll get back home next week and figure out what’s next and get this fight together as soon as possible.”
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