“I can do more than just kick, be careful!”, Makhachev wrote in social network, commenting on the American’s statement.
Islam Makhachev last stepped into the octagon on October 21 at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, knocking out Alexander Volkanovski already in the first round, who replaced Charles Oliveira, who received a serious dissection, on short notice.
Justin Gaethje became one of the top contenders for the title this July, knocking out Dustin Puryear in the second round.
In doing so, both fighters effectively shook their opponents with a leg kick to the head, ending the bouts with a knockout in the parterre.
Earlier, Islam Makhachev, who is the best fighter in the world’s strongest league regardless of weight class, announced that he expects to hold his next fight on March 9 at UFC 299 in Miami.