Justin Gaethje isn’t all that interested in fighting Conor McGregor any time soon, for one specific reason.
Gaethje is looking to return to action in the first quarter of 2023 after having successful nose surgery over the summer. He spoke to MMA Fighting about potential matchups between the two most thrilling fighters of all time. McGregor will be ready for action once he has recovered from a serious leg injury he sustained against Dustin Poirier in UFC July .
In Gaethje’s eyes McGregor was a potential opponent, but McGregor chose to take on Donald Cerrone after more than one year of being away.
” If everyone could just recall correctly, I fought Cowboy and beat him. Then he fought Cowboy shortly after that [at UFC 246 in January 2020],” Gaethje said to MMA Fighting. I was ready and primed to fight. I think he is taking steroids at the moment. USADA has not drug-tested him in a while. I’m looking for fair competition.”
Gaethje recently teamed up with the UFC, Modelo, and Rebuilding Together for the promotion’s gym revitalization program in Denver. Topeira Boxing Club was selected to renovate the second gym after Joaquin Romero, a local trainer and owner was killed in an accident.
Now, his father Romero’s Oscar is running the location to keep his son’s dream alive, and through the program, Topeira Boxing Gym received new boxing rings, punching bags, windows, security doors, electrical outlets, additional mirrors, coat of paint, lockers and storage shelves, and more, which is something Gaethje was proud to be a part of in his local area, and hopes to continue to be involved with the program.
Gaethje would be open to McGregor’s fight, however he is keen to ensure an equal playing field, if he is correct about McGregor.
“If he’s on steroids, then give me steroids and let’s go, I’m down with that,” Gaethje said. My health is the most important thing in my life. I have never taken a performance-enhancing drug, and I do not want to fight people that are taking performance enhancing drugs.”
MMA Fighting reached out to McGregor’s management team Paradigm Sports, who declined to comment on Gaethje’s thoughts.
For Gaethje, McGregor isn’t even a concern. McGregor is not a concern for Gaethje. He wants to get back on the path that will lead to another opportunity to win a lightweight title.
But he understands the questions about McGregor will likely keep coming up.
“I don’t even know how it works, I don’t even know how steroids work,” Gaethje said. “I’m sure there’s windows, I’m sure it will [eventually] be fine, I’m sure he can come back and be clean, but the fact that he hasn’t been drug tested tells me he’s taking steroids, whether it’s to heal his leg or not.
” If I have to break my leg, I won’t be taking steroids. I offered him the opportunity to fight me but he declined. So whatever, he chose ‘Cowboy’. Who knows? Maybe. Maybe.
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