Justin Gaethje reportedly “offended” after being handed over for a lightweight title fight with Ilia Topuria.
Shortly after Islamic Mahachev announced he had challenged newly-built welterweight champion Jack Madarena with a 155-pound belt open, Dana White revealed that former featherweight Ilia Topria will face Charles Oliviera at UFC 317 on June 29th.
After winning three straight wins in his division, including a victory over Rafael Fiziev, Gatche considered him the next man for a shot in gold.
Especially considering Oliveira’s last two appearances in the Octagon, he was defeated by Erman Zalcan and decided to permanently punching bag Michael Chandler.
“He was mad,” said John Annick, a UFC play-by-play man. Annick & Florian Podcast. “He certainly feels he was handed over to Charles Oliveira for this opportunity for Ilia Topreia. What Justin Geshe and his manager Ali Abderaziz are looking for is May 19th, and the good news about this battle with Topreia Oliveira is not June 28th.
John Annick thinks Justin Gache’s demand for a “guaranteed” title fight is reasonable
With International Fight Week turning the corner, the UFC may already be looking at a potential challenger for the winner of Topuria vs. Oliveira. And with the exception of the emperor still in the UFC’s kennel, Anik doesn’t think Gatche’s demands are so unfair, as there are no clear cut candidates in place.
“I don’t think it’s a crazy request for Justin,” Annick continued. “What he did against Rafael Fiziev, he couldn’t stay on the fight cards and get a victory from the results of the UFC 300 rather than fighting Dan Hooker. And he was able to help the UFC when he was able to fight in the UFC 300 and fight for the incontroversial championship at that point.
“So it wouldn’t be surprising if Gaethje guarantees that the winner of Topuria-Oliveira will be next.