"We haven't seen anybody die but he was on his way" - Justin Gaethje believes UFC 268 fight with Michael Chandler could have been fatal
While appearing at the UFC 269 weigh-in show, Justin Gaethje was asked by media if he wanted more rounds against Michael Chandler on November 6.
'The Highlight' boldly suggested to his audience that 'Iron' may have died if their lightweight title eliminator went beyond the stipulated 15 minutes.
"Actually, for his sake, no! He was in bad shape and we have not seen anybody die [inside the octagon]. But he was on his way, man. And I didn't want to see that," said Gaethje.
Watch Justin Gaethje in conversation with Laura Sanko, Dan Hellie and Daniel Cormier below:
Three-time Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler, who holds a 22-7 pro MMA record, is currently without an opponent.
Gaethje will face whoever wins the UFC 269 main event between titleholder Charles Oliveira and No.1 contender Dustin Poirier.
Justin Gaethje is 6-3 in the UFC after a dominant run as champion in the now-defunct World Series of Fighting
Justin Gaethje enjoyed a dominant run as lightweight champion in the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) MMA promotion. 'The Highlight' made five successful title defenses before vacating the belt in May 2017.
WSOF converted into the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2018. Gaethje made his UFC debut in July 2017 while holding an impressive 17-0 record.
#OnThisDay Justin Gaethje successfully defended the WSOF lightweight championship against Luis Palomino! https://t.co/URtP2z4iSQ
The 33-year-old is 6-3 in the UFC after losing fights against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier.
Justin Gaethje boasts octagon wins over Tony Ferguson, Donald Cerrone and Michael Chandler.
Gaethje is the first UFC athlete to earn a post-fight bonus in each of his first seven matchups inside the octagon. He's won six 'Fight of the Night' and four 'Performance of the Night' bonuses since making his promotional debut.
"The Highlight" stands ready to avenge his 2018 TKO loss vs. Dustin Poirier, and will likely get the chance soon if 'The Diamond' emerges victorious at UFC 269.