This weekend, in the main event of UFC Philadelphia, former WSOF lightweight champion Justin Gaethje will go to war with fellow fan favorite Edson Barboza. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If Gaethje is able to win this fight, he’ll take a big step up the lightweight rankings and open the door to a host of compelling matchups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One prospective matchup that seems like an option for Gaethje is a fight with former champion Anthony Pettis, who called him out after knocking out Stephen Thompson last weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That being said, Justin Gaethje doesn’t seem to interested in this idea. Instead, he’s hoping a win over Barboza will set up a rematch with Dustin Poirier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs much as I respect Pettis, I won\u2019t be looking for that fight after I win here,\u201d he told MMA Junkie this week. \u201cI want that fight back (with Poirier). I have to have that fight back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Justin Gaethje also added that he has no interest in fighting Al Iaquinta, who’s set to battle Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in the main event of UFC Ottawa this May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAl\u2019s a (expletive), so I\u2019m done with him,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s a (expletive), man. I\u2019ve tried to fight him so many times. He\u2019s signed up and backed out, and I\u2019ll put no more effort into him until he\u2019s the only shot to my title.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Gaethje feels he’s been ducked by Iaquinta, he can’t blame him for that. In fact, he commends him for his intelligence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think he\u2019s smart,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s not a fight you necessarily want. You have to go through hell to beat me. I got Poirier\u2019s quad ripped. I\u2019ve tore plenty of people\u2019s MCLs, ACLs with my kicks. Those are not things you want to go through, especially when you get a win.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who do you want to see Justin Gaethje fight next if he beats Edson Barboza in Philly? <\/p>\n\n\n\n