"He's that popular" - Daniel Cormier believes Justin Gaethje is one statement victory away from a UFC lightweight title shotÂ
Daniel Cormier recently shared his thoughts on Justin Gaethje's title hopes following his loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300.
Gaethje was seemingly next in line for a 155-pound title shot before being booked for UFC 300. At the historic pay-per-view, Holloway knocked him out in their BMF title match, putting 'The Highlight' to sleep with a stunning last-second overhand right.
Check out Justin Gaethje getting knocked out by Max Holloway below:
Gaethje's championship aspirations suffered a massive blow with his latest outing, putting him further away from a shot at UFC gold. However, Cormier thinks otherwise.
In a recent Good Guy / Bad Guy episode, Cormier discussed Gaethje's title hopes. 'DC' still believes the 35-year-old can get his hands at the undisputed belt. Using Dustin Poirier, the next title challenger, as an example, the former two-division champion claimed that Gaethje could be just "one win away" from getting a third shot at the undisputed lightweight championship.
''I am always one great win from fighting for a belt. He goes out and knocks out Benoit Saint Denis, Islam doesn't have an opponent. Enters Dustin Poirier. It always works and I believe that Justin Gaethje is in the same situation. Justin Gaethje is one win away from ultimately standing across the octagon from the champion."
Check out Daniel Cormier's comments below:
Justin Gaethje hopes to work his way back into title contention
On the main card of UFC 300, Justin Gaethje lost the BMF title to Max Holloway in a fifth-round knockout loss. The No.3-ranked lightweight recently revealed his goal of getting back into the title picture despite his latest setback.
In a video that was posted to his YouTube channel, Gaethje said:
"So obviously right now after this fight, don't like losing again. That sucks. My potential to fight for a belt is definitely diminished, however, it's not impossible. I knocked out Dustin Poirier now he's fighting for a belt. You never know what this sport is going to bring so I'm just going to stay healthy and not get too out of shape because at this age I don't want to get too far out of shape."
Check out Justin Gaethje's comments below:
The lightweight title will be contested at UFC 302, with reigning champion Islam Makhachev looking to defend his belt against Dustin Poirier.