'We’ve both been there with Khabib…' Justin Gaethje has advise for Dustin Poirier ahead of Islam Makhachev fight

He and Dustin Poirier have faced and lost against the Dagestani’s longtime famed mentor – Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘Diamond’ opted for a guillotine choke without proper mount-and-wrap around Khabib at UFC 242. Losing that fight, Islam Makhachev is not concerned about the lightweight’s failed trials and his eccentric “permanent contender” status due to it. Similarly, after his Round 2 submission of Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, Khabib called quits on his illustrious career.

Gaethje advises that despite his raw and quick KO power, Makhachev also shoots for clinches and heavy grappling. He had lined himself up for a title shot after UFC 291. But post-UFC 300 bust, Makhachev’s AKA coach Javier Mendez thinks the most stylistic threat to his title reign is out of the UFC title picture. Such apt assessments go to show why Gaethje posed such a danger.

Justin Gaethje talked about his OFTV UFC 300 Pre-fight documentary

Justin ‘The Highlight’ Gaethje put on a highlight battle with Max Holloway to defend the 155-pound silver strap at UFC 300. It was one for the ages. While he lost the trying bid to do so, he gained massive respect from fans and peers.

Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) is a consensus heavy-hitter. Consequently, Islam Makhachev’s camp also rated his pedigree as the best amongst the current roster of top lightweights. Even more so than the threats of Charles Oliveira or Arman Tsarukyan. It was highly considered that he was next in line for Islam Makhachev’s claim to the throne. However, Gaethje would fight at UFC 300 instead and seemingly forfeit the opportunity to Dustin Poirier.

In collaboration with OFTV, Gaethje starred in an episode of ‘Rise & Grind.’ The official synopsis hinted at the “life and day of one of the UFC’s brightest stars.” Here’s what he said about it

It's gonna be more technical videos with me and my coach, We have our entire gym set up as a studio, we got cameras mounted everywhere, we got rolling cameras. ... The technique videos that we're going to bring will be second to none... Justin Gaethje via his feature OFTV footage – ‘Rise & Grind’

Gaethje documented his camp and training for the BMF title fight on his Official YT channel in preparation for the massive trifecta card. Series segments such as “Road to UFC 300” and “Behind the Curtain: UFC 300 Justin Gaethje VS. Max Holloway” have already taken the internet by storm. This was during that phase. Footages of the fighter out of the Elevation Fight Team also made it to the UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt), “BMF” Theatrical Promo.