UFC: Conor McGregor should wait in line – give Justin Gaethje his due, and a title shot

Gaethje is on a three-fight win streak and sits higher than McGregor in the lightweight rankings

President Dana White’s justification to prioritise the Irishman is not warranted in more ways than one

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Conor McGregor shares his Irish whiskey with UFC president Dana White during the UFC 229 press conference in 2018 Photo: AFP

Andrew McNicol

Andrew McNicol is a sports writer with a particular interest in football, rugby and mixed martial arts.

Published: 6:51pm, 3 Jan 2020Updated: 6:50pm, 3 Jan 2020

Justin Gaethje is absolutely right to speak out about the UFC’s ludicrous double standards in its title fight matchmaking process.

“The Highlight” (professional record 21-2) openly criticised president Dana White for saying Irish superstar Conor McGregor is “next in line” for the lightweight title should he defeat Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 on January 18.

The controversial sound bite comes despite McGregor vs Cerrone taking place at welterweight – one division above – and McGregor (21-4) sitting behind Gaethje in the “official” rankings.

Granted, talks of a title fight are simply hypothetical as current champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) is set to fight contender Tony Ferguson in April. But one look at fight records, form and activity clearly favours Gaethje.

Justin Gaethje celebrates his win over Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver in September. Photo: AP

The 31-year-old Gaethje is on a three-fight win streak having defeated James Vick, Edson Barboza and – in September of last year – Cerrone via first-round TKO.