Former UFC Champion Feels Justin Gaethje Has Reasons to be Worried About Usman Nurmagomedov

Justin Gaethje just had one of the best fights of his life. Going up against Ilia Topuria, Gaethje walked into the octagon as the underdog. Surprisingly, the 37-year-old star dominated his opponent and clinched the UFC lightweight gold. Currently recovering from his bruises, the American star appears to be at the top of his game. However, according to Henry Cejudo, he has reasons to be worried about Usman Nurmagomedov. 

What Did Henry Cejudo say about Usman Nurmagomedov?

Cejudo recently appeared in an episode of the ‘Pound 4 Pound’ show. Conversing with Kamaru Usman, the former UFC champion focused on Nurmagomedov’s rise. While the Dagestani has not yet joined the UFC, the rumors are getting stronger with each day. Cejudo opined that if Nurmagomedov decides to join the UFC, he would come to the lightweight division. And that would spell some serious trouble for the current champion. 

Cejudo said, “The toughest matchup for Justin Gaethje, it is Usman Nurmagomedov. I'm curious to see what a guy like Justin would say, competitively, in the world who is stylistically the toughest matchup for him, and it is Usman Nurmagomedov."

There has been a lot of talk about the 28-year-old deserving a direct title shot if he joins the UFC. But whether Dana White will approve the notion is something that remains to be seen. But as of now, Gaethje has a different opponent in mind. 

Justin Gaethje Wants to Fight Conor McGregor

Gaethje is still recovering from the brutal fight against Ilia Topuria. But after coming back, the champion wants to give it a shot against McGregor. While picking his next opponents, the American stated that he had no interest in fighting Max Holloway or Charles Oliveira. 

Gaethje told CBS Sports’ Damien Harris, “Damn, there’s really no one. It would have been Oliveira or Holloway, but since Topuria beat them, I’m going to go ahead and justify it to myself like I got them back. So I guess McGregor. Fun to shut him up.”

McGregor came back to the UFC after a long layoff. But in the opening minutes of his fight against Holloway, ‘Mystic Mac’ injured his knee.