Justin Gaethje has suffered a brutal injury during a sparring session in the lead up to the Khabib Nurmagomedov title fight. Justin Gaethje will face Khabib Nurmagomedov for the undisputed lightweight championship match later this year. If reports are to be believed, UFC is planning on a September bout where the match can serve as a headliner for UFC 253.
Justin Gaethje picked up an impressive victory against Tony Ferguson to earn himself a title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov. Gaethje in an absolute display of domination cruised past former interim champion Tony Ferguson with a 5th round TKO victory. In the process, Gaethje snapped Ferguson of his 12 fight win streak and became one of the two fighters to get a win over Ferguson, and the first fighter to finish him inside the octagon.
Also Read I Justin Gaethje Shares What Trevor Wittman Told Him After He Threw the Interim Lightweight Belt
Gaethje will require stitches for his injury
Justin Gaethje shared the brutal cut that he suffered on his chin during wrestling. Gaethje shared the photo, which was later reposted by MMA Journalist Chamatkar Sandhu on his Instagram.
“Going to need a few stitches today. Caught an accidental head butt during wrestling today.” Gaethje stated.
Gaethje revealed the injury was caused due to an accidental headbutt that he incurred while sparring. Fight fans were quick to point out the extent of the injury as they shared their thoughts in the comment section. Gaethje is well on his way to fight for the lightweight championship in a title unification bout and is prepping hard for an elite grappler like Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Can Justin Gaethje beat Khabib Nurmagomedov?
It’s been long debated that Justin Gaethje can beat Khabib Nurmagomedov. Fights fans have long believed that Gaethje’s wrestling credibility and his punching prowess can take down Khabib, and hand him his first loss inside the octagon.
Gaethje is a Division 1 wrestler and has been seen as a wrestler to have never used his wrestling inside the octagon. However, for someone like Khabib Nurmagomedov, who relies mostly on his grappling skills to dominate his opponents, Gaethje is a tough test. The common idea behind Gaethje beating Khabib is the mere idea that Gaethje can be equally impressive on the ground, and can stuff Khabib’s takedowns. Additionally, Gaethje carries the power to sleep any opponent with one punch and has the characteristics of a finisher. It will be interesting to see who will come on top when Justin Gaethje finally takes on Khabib Nurmagomedov.