Gaethje Reacts to McGregor’s Callout After UFC 291 Victory

Posted on by Prathy Dey

Gaethje Reacts to McGregor’s Callout After UFC 291 Victory

After delivering a stunning knockout victory against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291, Justin Gaethje found himself in the spotlight once again. Crowned the ‘Baddest Motherf*****’ titleholder, Gaethje’s triumph was met with a callout from none other than Conor McGregor, who wasted no time challenging him on social media. In this article, we delve into Gaethje’s response to McGregor’s callout and his thoughts on the potential matchup.

Gaethje’s Triumph and McGregor’s Callout

In the main event of UFC 291, Justin Gaethje avenged his 2018 loss to Dustin Poirier with a spectacular head kick knockout. The victory secured him the prestigious ‘Baddest Motherf*****‘ title and showcased his dominance in the lightweight division. However, amidst the celebrations, Conor McGregor, known for his brash and outspoken nature, took to social media to call out Gaethje.

A History of Turn Downs

During the post-fight press conference, the topic of McGregor’s callout was brought up, and Gaethje revealed that this was not the first time the Irishman had expressed interest in fighting him. Surprisingly, Gaethje disclosed that McGregor had turned down the opportunity to face him on six different occasions. This trend raised questions about what it takes to secure a matchup with the enigmatic Irish superstar.

Gaethje’s Ambivalence Towards McGregor

While the idea of a high-profile fight with McGregor seemed enticing, Gaethje displayed little desire to engage in the bout. The lightweight fighter, aged 34, expressed his passion for big fights and thrilling matchups, but at the same time, he showcased his reservations about facing someone who might be using steroids. Gaethje was adamant about competing in a clean and fair environment and did not want to face an opponent who could potentially be cheating.

McGregor’s Usada Testing Status

One significant concern raised by Gaethje was McGregor’s current status with the USADA. McGregor has never tested positive for any performance-enhancing drugs, but at the moment, he is absent from the Usada testing pool. To ensure fair competition, McGregor must spend six months in the pool and return two negative tests before proceeding with his next fight against Michael Chandler. This delay has left fans eagerly awaiting the announcement of the McGregor vs. Chandler bout’s date and location.

Gaethje’s Clean Record and Future Plans

Asserting his commitment to clean competition, Gaethje made it clear that he has never taken steroids and has no intention of doing so. The fighter’s integrity and honesty about this topic were admirable, even if it meant potentially jeopardizing the chances of a lucrative matchup with McGregor. Gaethje, always eager for exciting challenges, remains focused on his MMA career, seeking opportunities to face elite opponents in fair and honest contests.

The Anticipated Clash

The potential matchup between Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje has long been on the radar of MMA enthusiasts. The prospect of these two explosive fighters going head-to-head is enough to generate considerable buzz and excitement. While Gaethje has no immediate plans to fight McGregor due to the concerns about clean competition, the possibility remains a tantalizing one for fans of the sport.

McGregor’s History with Poirier

While the talk of a McGregor vs. Gaethje showdown continues to captivate fans, it’s essential to acknowledge McGregor’s history with Dustin Poirier. The two fighters have squared off three times before, with each encounter providing memorable moments. McGregor secured a knockout victory over Poirier in their featherweight bout in 2014, but Poirier exacted revenge with a KO win at lightweight in January 2021. The trilogy fight in July 2021 ended tragically for McGregor, as he suffered a broken leg at the end of Round 1, leading to a doctor’s stoppage.