Conor McGregor’s next opponent depends on Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Tony Ferguson result at UFC 249, says Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje has revealed who Conor McGregor’s next opponent is likely to be and it depends on the result of UFC 249.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson will finally face each other at the event in April, if coronavirus does not cause its cancellation.
Gaethje thinks all will become clearer once that fight is over with himself in the frame to be McGregor’s next opponent.
He told : “I think the April 19 fight is a big factor. When Khabib wins, Conor knows he’s not going to get that matchup unless he does something to earn it.
“So he’s going to fight me if Khabib wins. If Tony wins he’s going to fight Tony because that’s how it works."
McGregor made his much anticipated return to the octagon in January when he beat Donald Cerrone.
“I think we need Conor McGregor. The sport needs Conor McGregor. He needed to go in there and he needed to win," Gaethje added.
“He could have fought me but you can’t lose how you lose to me and be Conor McGregor.
“Hopefully he’s looked in the mirror and someone needs to tell him he has to f****** legitimise his spot in the eyes of people. You can’t look in the mirror and be happy if people are s******* on you.”
Gaethje has not fought since September 2019 where he also beat Cerrone in a first round knockout victory.
Nurmagomedov has been less than keen on a rematch with McGregor and insisted that he must earn his shot at the lightweight belt again.
One way to do that would be to beat Gaethje and clear a path to the Russian fighter.