Justin Gaethje Reveals his Take on Islam Makhachev’s Fighting

Justin Gaethje achieved an impossible feat back in June 2026. With Ilia Topuria looking unbeatable, the American fighter delivered one of the best fights of his career to break him and clinch UFC gold. His brutal attack on Topuria meant that the Spaniard was unable to make it to the end of the fight. However, sitting at the top of the lightweight ladder, the 37-year-old fighter looks up to Islam Makhachev for inspiration. 

Justin Gaethje is a Fan of Islam Makhachev

Before Gaethje won the lightweight belt, the division was dominated by the Dagestani icon, Makhachev. The duo has never met inside the octagon. But that does not make the champion’s respect towards the UFC champ-champ diminish a bit. Speaking with Demetrious Johnson recently, Gaethje stated that he considered Makhachev as a winner. 

The 37-year-old said, “Obviously, I like winners, so I’m a huge fan of Islam Makhachev. I desire something else when I watch MMA, so is it my night when Islam Makhachev fights? No, but I absolutely respect why he’s there. It’s such a huge factor that these kids do sambo and see submissions from such a young age.”

The American champion also reflected, “Not only that, they’re Muslims. They’ve never drunk or smoked anything in their lives. Their discipline is second to none. He deserves every accolade and accomplishment that he has.”

Meanwhile, with rumors spreading about a potential rematch with Topuria, Gaethje dropped an honest assessment of the Spaniard from their previous fight. 

Justin Gaethje Feels Ilia Topuria Wasn't Prepared

‘The Highlight’ is on cloud nine after defeating one of the most lethal strikers in the UFC. However, looking back at their previous matchup, the 37-year-old feels that the Spaniard didn't have enough preparation coming into a championship bout. 

Elaborating on Topuria’s flaws during the fight, Gaethje told Johnson, “I'm referring to the 12 weeks before the fight; those emotional mistakes, in preparation. So he wasn't prepared for what happened that night. And it's his fault. Because he didn't think it was possible for someone to be there with him for that long, or whatever it was. He forgot who he was and how dangerous this game is." 

With the heat getting turned on again, it remains to be seen whether the duo fights again anytime soon.