The octagon mud has but to settle from Justin Gaethje’s outstanding second-round takedown of Dustin Poirier at UFC 291, and already hypothesis is surging about who he’ll face subsequent. Because the echoes of that second-round TKO fade, followers and pundits are already wanting forward. Who’s subsequent for the newly topped BMF champion? Gaethje himself has despatched blended alerts, declaring an unwillingness for a right away rematch with Poirier whereas remaining open to challenges. However who does our oddsmaker suppose will likely be Justin Gaethje’s subsequent opponent?
After the top kick and again flip that despatched the UFC world into meltdown, our in-house oddsmaker, right here at SportsLens was furiously plugging numbers into his little machine.
JUSTIN GAETHJE SLEEPS POIRIER WITH A HEAD KICK OH MY GOD
pic.twitter.com/sVxuuXttMK
— 🌴ᴛʜᴇᴀʀᴛᴏꜰᴡᴀʀ🌴 (@TheArtOfWar6) July 30, 2023
The intention was to present us an thought of who Justin Gaethje’s subsequent combat will likely be towards after he exacted his revenge on Dustin Poirier. So, let’s take a fast a have a look at the chances, and who oddsmakers imagine would be the subsequent opponent for ‘The Spotlight.’
Odds for Justin ‘The Spotlight’ Gaethje’s Subsequent Struggle
Potential Opponent
Odds
Islam Makhachev
+138
Dustin Poirier
+350
Conor McGregor
+500
Charles Oliveira
+700
Beneil Dariush
+700
Another fighter
+700
*Odds are for leisure functions solely
Islam Makhachev Favourite to be Subsequent Opponent for Justin Gaethje
Main the pack is UFC light-weight champion, Islam Makhachev with odds of +138. This Russian titan has been absent from the octagon however is ready to return this Fall for a extremely anticipated rematch with Charles Oliveira, the Brazilian he outmatched to say the title in 2022.
Their showdown is eagerly awaited, as followers are curious if Oliveira’s spectacular victory over Beneil Dariush this summer time would possibly sway the chances in his favor.
For Gaethje, probably the most possible state of affairs is a showdown with the victor of the Oliveira-Makhachev rematch and an opportunity to improve his BMF title to a UFC light-weight championship. Nevertheless, an Oliveira triumph may not be an attractive prospect for Gaethje or UFC organizers, given Oliveira’s earlier crushing defeat of Gaethje.
This might account for him being much less probably, at +700, to be Gaethje’s subsequent combat.
Poirier Trilogy or Conor McGregor Return?
Poirier, regardless of the recent style of defeat, stays a believable contender. In any case, their collection stands equal at 1-1. However within the aftermath of their newest battle, Gaethje appeared unenthused concerning the thought of a trilogy combat. He confessed, “I might by no means deny him the chance similar to he didn’t deny me the chance. However I don’t need it to be my subsequent combat.”
Nonetheless, he’s nonetheless second favourite at +350 to be the particular person standing throughout from Gaethje within the octagon subsequent day out.
Enter the provocative determine of Conor McGregor, who, regardless of fluctuating fortunes, continues to generate pleasure. Following Gaethje’s victory over Poirier, McGregor was fast to precise his need for a combat.
In a collection of tweets, McGregor stated he would “slap Justin round,” and proclaimed he was the “actual BMF.”
Justin, I’ll slap you round
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 30, 2023
I’m the actual bmf, he can combat for pennies if he needs however I need spirits, I name the pictures, I’m in it to launch pictures, fuck chandler, you need it name for it.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 30, 2023
But, Gaethje’s reservations about McGregor’s involvement with the UFC’s drug testing pool casts a shadow over this potential bout.
He stated, “I’m not gonna combat somebody on steroids. I’ve by no means taken steroids in my life, by no means will. I don’t need to combat somebody that’s dishonest.”
McGregor is +500 to be Gaethje’s subsequent opponent, which equates to roughly a 17 % likelihood.
Former Coaching Companion Subsequent Man Up?
Lurking within the wings can be Beneil Dariush. Regardless of a setback towards Oliveira at UFC 289, Dariush is a fierce opponent who earlier than that loss was on a successful streak of eight fights. Moreover, his coaching historical past with Gaethje provides an intriguing layer to their potential face-off.
If Oliveira beats Makhachev, and no person is eager on the rematch, this might be a possible path for Gaethje. At odds of +700, it definitely is just not out of the query.
At this stage, the hypothesis is a part of the thrill. Gaethje’s path ahead is wealthy with potential, every potential opponent providing a novel narrative thread and completely different challenges. It’s a mixture that guarantees extra thrilling bouts and unforgettable moments within the octagon.
