Khabib Nurmagomedov sent big message to Justin Gaethje.
“The Eagle” training partner and now underling Islam Makhachev races Gaethje to be first to challenge for UFC lightweight gold in 2022.
Both fighters are coming off big wins in recent weeks. At UFC 268 Gaethje defeated former Bellator champion Michael Chandler via unanimous decision. One week prior, Makhachev made quick work of Dan Hooker with a first-round submission.
With champion Charles Oliveira scheduled for Dec. 11 against Dustin Poirier at UFC 269 in Las Vegas, it’s unclear who will await the victor.
“In last 8 fight, you got finished 3 times Justin,” Nurmagomedov wrote in Instagram. “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.”
As it stands, Gaethje is 5-1 in his most recent six fights with the lone loss coming against Nurmagomedov. Meanwhile, Makhachev rides a nine-fight winning streak dating back to 2015.