Khabib Nurmagomedov has shut down the idea of Justin Gaethje getting the next UFC lightweight title shot following his demand after beating Michael Chandler.
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Gaethje outpointed Chandler in a 'Fight of the Year' contender on the main-card of UFC 268 last weekend.
He called for a shot at UFC gold in his post-fight interview and echoed that sentiment this week.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, he said: "I don't need to hear anything. I do not. I already know. I'm not going to - those are the things I can't control, you know? I did what I had to do to control the situation.
"Outside that, I have no more control now. It would be all on the fans, the journalists, the integrity.
"That has to be questioned.
"People respect us because it's not boxing because the best fights happen. I have to fight the winner of Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier to justify the integrity of this sport, and I'm comfortable with that.
"I don't need to do anything else."
Gaethje fighting the winner of Oliveira vs. Poirier does NOT sit well with former UFC lightweight king Nurmagomedov, who slammed his thought process.
He ripped 'The Highlight' - pointing out his defeats, including their championship bout last year.
'The Eagle' also put forward his protégé Islam Makhachev as the next deserving challenger.
In a social media post, he wrote: "In last 8 fight, you got finished 3 times Justin.
"You had an opportunity to become champion, but you fell asleep Islam is on the 9 win streak, 3 fight in 2021 and all finishes.
"Just shut up and admit that Islam deserves this title shot, not you," he added.
Makhachev improved his winning streak by submitting Dan Hooker in the first round of their bout at UFC 267 last month.
He's won nine fights in a row as he hopes to land a championship bout.
Who should be next? Let us know.
Featured Image Credit: PA/Khabib Nurmagomedov
Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, UFC
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