Friday night in the TUF 25 Redemption Finale, former WSOF champion Justin Gaethje picked up a thrilling win over Michael Johnson in the main event, as the two delivered an action-packed two rounds that ultimately saw Gaethje pick up a TKO win over ‘The Meance’.
Following the fight, Gaethje called out top ranked UFC lightweight contender Tony Ferguson to a scrap, explaining that he was looking for the quickest path to the interim lightweight title, and then a scrap with Conor McGregor for the undisputed title after McGregor has his ‘Fight of the Century’ boxing match with Floyd Mayweather on August 26th.
Gaethje stated at the post-fight press conference to discuss a potential showdown with Ferguson:
“He’ll probably say I’m not worthy. He lost to Michael Johnson; I just finished him. So he’ll be full of (expletive) when he says that.”
“Whoever gets me closer to an interim title right now. McGregor’s not here. So I’m going to get that interim title on my waist, and when he comes back, pressure.”
Gaethje of course was referencing Ferguson’s 2012 loss to Michael Johnson, his most recent loss, which ultimately saw ‘El Cucuy’ then bounce back and rattle off nine straight wins as he climbed the UFC lightweight rankings.
Ferguson responded to Gaethje’s callout Saturday morning, saying:
@Justin_Gaethje You Hit Like A Bitch- You're Not On My Level, But If Its For The Belt.I'd Be Glad To Beat That Ass For The Interm @Danawhite
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) July 8, 2017
Ferguson of course was slated for an interim lightweight title fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov several months ago, with the winner expected to solidify their place as the lightweight #1 contender, and earn a title fight with Conor McGregor when he returns from his boxing superfight with Floyd Mayweather on August 26th.
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 7/8/2017.