Justin Gaethje makes surprising Islam Makhachev admission as UFC star opens up about the champion’s fighting style

Justin Gaethje makes surprising Islam Makhachev admission as UFC star opens up about the champion’s fighting style

Justin Gaethje has made it clear that he is a fan of Islam Makhachev, even if the UFC lightweight champion’s style is not what he most enjoys watching. Gaethje praised Makhachev’s discipline, success and grappling background while admitting that he wants something different from MMA fights. His comments came as Makhachev continues his own run at welterweight after moving up from lightweight.

Gaethje spoke about Makhachev during an interview with former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson. While the two fighters have very different approaches inside the Octagon, Gaethje said that does not stop him from appreciating what Makhachev has achieved.“I like winners. So I’m a huge fan of Islam Makhachev,” Gaethje said. “Obviously, I desire something else when I watch MMA. And we all have our biases. So is it my favorite night when Islam Makhachev fights? No. But I absolutely respect why he’s there.”That distinction is important. Gaethje was not taking a shot at Makhachev’s abilities. Instead, he was being honest about the type of MMA he enjoys watching. Gaethje is known for his aggressive striking and willingness to stand and trade, while Makhachev has built his success around wrestling, control and submissions.

Gaethje also pointed to Makhachev’s background as one reason for his success. He believes growing up with sambo and being exposed to submissions from an early age can give fighters a major advantage.“It’s such a huge factor that these kids do sambo and see submissions from such a young age,” Gaethje said. “Not only that, they’re Muslim. They never drink or smoke anything in their lives. Their discipline is second to none.”He then made it clear that Makhachev’s results deserve respect regardless of whether fans enjoy watching his style.“He deserves every accolade and accomplishment that he has. How he fights and what people think doesn’t mean anything,” Gaethje added.

The respect appears to go both ways, even though Makhachev recently had his own interesting take on Gaethje’s future.Speaking to MMA Junkie in August, Makhachev said he was unsure what Gaethje should do next after finally winning the UFC lightweight championship. He also joked about Gaethje’s condition after seeing him recently.“I don’t know. I think this guy make like enough in this sport,” Makhachev said. “He became UFC champion. He also has many records. What’s next for him? If I’m the UFC matchmaker, I don’t know, honestly. But this guy’s not in good shape right now.”

Makhachev also praised Gaethje’s toughness after Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria to win the undisputed lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250. He said Gaethje was always going to fight until the end and that Topuria may have underestimated him.Gaethje’s latest comments add another side to their relationship. He may not prefer Makhachev’s style, but he clearly recognizes why the former lightweight champion has been so successful. For Gaethje, enjoying a fight and respecting the fighter are simply two different things.