Gaethje (photo via YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Following Justin Gaethje’s loss to lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, the UFC is hoping to have the former interim champ fight surging contender, Charles Oliveira.

Gaethje (22-3) faced Nurmagmedov at UFC 254 in October and was choked out by the now retired, fighter. The former WSOF champ earned a title shot after stopping Tony Ferguson in May to win the interim belt.

During a recent chat for ESPN+, UFC President Dana White was asked about Oliveira’s next fight, and White said it will “probably” be against Gaethje.

Oliveira (30-8, 1 NC) is coming off a one-sided, decision win over Ferguson in December, which was his eigth straight victory.

White did not reportedly say when the UFC is hoping to book the fight for.