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Justin Gaethje details setback that affected his latest UFC lightweight title fight
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- Justin Gaethje details setback that affected his latest UFC lightweight title fight
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Justin Gaethje is eyeing a second interim lightweight title when he steps into the cage this weekend.
Paddy Pimblett, meanwhile, has been reminding everyone of his most recent win as he tries to quiet the doubters before the biggest fight of his career.
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On the other hand, 'The Highlight' is no stranger to big stages and title fights. The UFC veteran has built a reputation for delivering some of the sport's most memorable moments.
The UFC's response to Ilia Topuria's time away, which led to an interim title being introduced, appears to have disrupted Gaethje's plans for the rest of 2024.
He said before returning that he is focused on an upcoming match-up because he feels he has something to prove against both men involved.
Justin Gaethje reflects on Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira fights
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Gaethje is looking for a second go at Max Holloway, hoping it comes with both the lightweight title and the BMF belt up for grabs.
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'Blessed' will put the BMF title on the line in a rematch with Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 this March, adding even more weight to an already anticipated bout.
Gaethje, who has been holding out for another title shot, sees rematches with either Holloway or Oliveira as two of his main targets moving forward.
Speaking to ESPN MMA, 'The Highlight' explained that they are the only two opponents he has not felt fully himself against inside the Octagon.
Despite initially saying he did not want to make excuses, 'The Highlight' admitted that his final attempt at the lightweight title was severely affected by an accident that occurred just weeks before his UFC 274 fight against Oliveira.
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"I've talked about being in a bike crash 18 days before the Oliveira fight, banging my head off the road. You know, I was compromised walking into that fight."
Justin Gaethje admits mindset mistakes led to loss against Max Holloway
While Gaethje's loss to Oliveira was affected by circumstances beyond his control, his defeat to Holloway came down to factors he feels were within his grasp.
The former interim lightweight champion has spoken openly about the mistakes he made before defending the BMF title against Holloway at UFC 300.
"The biggest mistake for me was looking at it as a spectacle fight or a fight that was for fun and not understanding or recognizing the danger that I was in. I didn't get to go to my primal competitive nature," the 37-year-old told ESPN MMA.
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Gaethje described it as a "scary night" because, unlike usual, he could recall details of the fight, particularly Holloway's presence, which stood out as unusual for him.
He reflected further on what went wrong: "It was a big mistake for me and it happened in the preparation," he continued. "There were a lot of mistakes made in my mind and I had the wrong mindset going into that fight and that's why I want to fight him again."
