Justin Gaethje breaks silence on potential rematch with Michael Chandler and confirms UFC fight date
11/22/2024 07:26 AM
Michael Chandler called out Justin Gaethje shortly after his unanimous decision defeat to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.
Despite losing four of his last five fights, the 38-year-old will always give a good account of himself when taking on the elite operators of his division.
Sure enough, his rematch with Charles Oliveira last Saturday was no exception, as Michael Chandler put on a brave performance only to fall short down the stretch.
But after expressing his desire to roll the dice in another rematch against Justin Gaethje, 'Iron' did not get the response that he was perhaps hoping for.
Justin Gaethje claims he would prefer to face Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier over Michael Chandler
Gaethje and Chandler locked horns back in 2021, when a more measured performance from 'The Highlight' saw him claim a unanimous decision victory through three rounds.
And so, there is seemingly little incentive for the former lightweight champion to enter a second encounter with the fan-friendly fighter.
Instead, Gaethje has expressed more of an interest in rematching three other opponents, while also naming a fighter he is yet to face.
The 36-year-old has, first and foremost, welcomed a second encounter with Oliveira, who submitted the American in the first round of their clash in 2021.
Equally, Gaethje has shown a willingness to set the record straight in a trilogy with Dustin Poirier, given that the score currently stands at 1-1.
But still, there are two more potential options that would whet the seasoned campaigner's appetite.
"I'm more interested in a rematch with Oliveira… Or Poirier," Gaethje told Helen Yee Sports. "But I'd prefer something new. I think Dan Hooker [would be a good matchup].
"I know [Max] Holloway is coming back up [to lightweight] – I'd love that rematch. [With me] being ranked [number three at lightweight], I think there's a lot of options. I've told [The UFC] I want to fight in March."
Could Justin Gaethje face Dan Hooker or Max Holloway in March?
Seemingly, a clash between Gaethje and Hooker makes perfect sense, given that 'The Hangman' has already teased the possibility of returning to the octagon in March.
At the same time, though, a rematch with Max Holloway would certainly capture the imagination of MMA fans.
The pair squared off in a five-round barnburner earlier this year, with Holloway ultimately emerging victorious after scoring one of the most stunning knockouts of all time.
And yet, Gaethje would undoubtedly be eager to have another shot at the BMF belt, especially with 'Blessed' coming off a knockout defeat to UFC featherweight king Ilia Topuria.
