Former UFC Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez has expressed his support for Justin Gaethje receiving the next title opportunity against current champion Ilia Topuria.
Gaethje, a former interim champion and BMF titleholder, presents a compelling case for a shot at 36 years old. With three wins in his last four fights, he returned to form with a near-finish against Rafael Fiziev in March.
Gaethje has voiced his belief that the UFC “owes” him a title fight and previously stated he would consider retirement if he wasn`t granted a shot at the winner of the Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira bout at UFC 317.
Despite being present at the title fight, Gaethje did not receive a guarantee of being next in line and was not called out by the new champion, Topuria, who seemingly lacks interest in the matchup. UFC CEO Dana White also reportedly advised Gaethje to retire following his ultimatum.
While other contenders like Paddy Pimblett or the number one ranked Arman Tsarukyan could potentially bypass Gaethje, one of his past opponents offers a “selfish” reason for why “The Highlight” deserves the title challenge.
Eddie Alvarez Sees Gaethje`s Leg Kicks as a Threat to Ilia Topuria
Known for consistently delivering exciting and violent performances, Gaethje is a fan favorite, often earning performance bonuses.
Eddie Alvarez, who defeated Gaethje in a memorable 2017 `fight of the year` candidate that marked Gaethje`s first professional loss, is well aware of his power and devastating leg kicks. Alvarez, like Rafael Fiziev, is keen to see Gaethje challenge Topuria next.
“Selfishly, I want Justin,” Alvarez stated on The Bohnfire show when asked about Topuria`s next opponent.
“He`s a fan favorite of mine. Unbiased, just watching MMA, I wanna see a Justin Gaethje fight before any other fight, just because of the way he fights.”
Alvarez offered strategic advice for Gaethje in a potential matchup against Topuria. “This matchup for Justin, I want Justin to be a little more calculated, a little bit less reckless abandonment against a guy like this, a guy that’s dangerous, who’s this planted and good positioning.”
Highlighting Gaethje`s key weapon, Alvarez added, “I would like to see how, because I don’t care who you are, I love when Justin starts landing that leg kick and watch really strong violent men start to limp around or start to switch to southpaw…”
“He can do it against anyone,” Alvarez asserted regarding Gaethje`s leg kicks. “Justin can beat anyone at any time with that weapon of his. He just smashes that lead leg.”
The effectiveness of leg kicks against opponents in a boxing stance has been demonstrated in past fights, such as Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier and Urijah Faber vs. Jose Aldo, due to boxers typically placing significant weight on their lead leg.
Eddie Alvarez Calls Arman Tsarukyan Ilia Topuria`s `Biggest Challenge`
Arman Tsarukyan finds himself in a position similar to Gaethje regarding a title shot.
Ranked number one in the lightweight division, Tsarukyan holds a 9-1 record since his UFC debut loss to Islam Makhachev. His recent victories include impressive performances against Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush.
Tsarukyan was initially slated to challenge Makhachev for the title in January but withdrew the day before the fight due to a back injury.
Consequently, Dana White has indicated that Tsarukyan will need another win before earning a title opportunity.
Many observers, including Makhachev`s head coach Javier Mendez, believe Tsarukyan presents the toughest challenge for Topuria, a view shared by Eddie Alvarez.
“I think the Arman fight really intrigues me,” Alvarez commented on potential opponents for Topuria.
“I think that might be a little bit of a tougher matchup for Ilia.”
Alvarez elaborated on Tsarukyan`s difficulty as an opponent: “So challenge-wise, to keep that belt and to keep things everything and true… Arman would be the biggest challenge for him right now in the division.”
However, considering fan appeal, Alvarez concluded, “But, the funnest fight for the fans is Justin Gaethje for sure.”
Percy Harlow