Justin Gaethje (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

After tearing through his last three opponents, Justin Gaethje believes he deserves to fight for the UFC’s lightweight crown next.

Recently it was reported that Tony Ferguson will challenge lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov at an April 18th card in Brooklyn. During a recent appearance on “The Luke Thomas Show“, Gaethje said the following, when asked if he’d be interested in preparing as an alternate (quote via MMA Junkie):

“If they cover the cost of the training camp, then I’m in,” Gaethje said. “I need to get in shape again anyways, so it wouldn’t hurt. You know what it is. Financially it’s a commitment, especially for a fight like that, you know? I want to fight Khabib. I’ve got to fight Khabib. If that’s how it goes down, I’ll only be mad at myself if I’m not ready for it.”

While discussing his place in the title shot race, Gaethje also said this:

“I’m the guy waiting for the title shot,” Gaethje said. “I’ve got the winner of the fight in April as far as I’m concerned. Three knockouts in a row. I’m not sure what else I need to do. If there’s someone else in the way, I’d have to go through them. But I don’t think there is, so the winner of that is looking like the most likely.”

Gaethje is coming off consecutive, first round stoppage wins over Edson Barboza, James Vick and Donald Cerrone. The former WSOF champ is currently ranked #3 in the UFC’s lightweight division.