Justin Gaethje will fight Tony Ferguson this weekend after stepping in to replace Khabib Nurmagomedov as the headline act of UFC 249.
The UFC main event has been plagued with problems as the sport struggles to adapt to life during the coronavirus pandemic.
Only this morning, fighter Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza had to pull out of the event after testing positive for COVID-19.
But boss Dana White has been determined to put on a show for the fans and the action will go ahead on May 9.
Nurmagomedov had to pull out of the original date as he remains in lockdown in Russia and he will not be at this weekend’s clash either.
White has confirmed Gaethje will take his place but who is the new headliner?
Who is Justin Gaethje?
Justin Ray Gaethje began wrestling at the age of four before attending Safford High School and becoming a two-time Arizona state champion.
Gaethje, an orthodox lightweight fighter, made his pro MMA debut in August 2011 with a knockout win over Kevin Croom.
He has had 23 career fights to date, winning 21 times with 18 knockouts.
Now 31 years old, Gaethje’s last fight was a TKO win over Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone in September 2019.
His two losses came against Eddie Alvarez at UFC 218 in December 2017 and Dustin Poirier in April 2018.
The upcoming clash with Ferguson will be Gaethje’s first major headline fight and just his second UFC main event.
Following his victory over Cerrone, Gaethje demanded a fight with the winner of Nurmagomedov vs Ferguson.
Justin Gaethje ‘hopes’ Tony Ferguson breaks his nose at UFC 249 – but vows to KO ‘El Cucuy’
Albeit in extraordinary circumstances, the Arizona-born fighter has got his wish.
He said last year: “I want to fight for the world title. I want to prove I’m the best in the world. I want the winner of Tony and Khabib. So that’s what’s next.”
Conor McGregor was previously touted as a potential late replacement for Nurmagomedov at UFC 249.
Conor McGregor gives emotional post-fight interview after victorious return at UFC 246
With the company opting for Gaethje, a fight between him and the Notorious could happen further down the line.
Asked about McGregor, Gaethje added: “I absolutely would love to fight him.”
McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh, wants his fighter to take on Gaethje at welterweight later this year.
He said: “Justin Gaethje at 170 [Ibs] would be my personal preference. He’s another lightweight, but neither of them have to cut weight.
“The vision is getting that 155lb belt back, so it’s a step toward that. I don’t see the reason for him to cut weight unless there is a belt on the line, otherwise why would he do it?
“Stay at this weight, don’t cut weight and then when the big one comes along, shed the last 15 pounds.”
