One of the well-known MMA coaches believes the UFC missed a more exciting, empty lightweight title fight.
When the UFC 317 main event between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira begins, Islamic Makachev will not become the UFC lightweight champion. Many fans and experts look forward to Topuria and Oliveira sharing Octagon. Still, some people feel that “Do Bronx” is a better option than it was on the table.
Longtime coach Din Thomas counts him as one of the guarantees of Justin Gesche.
Related: Justin Gaethje claims popular MMA personality, furious that he hasn’t competed for the title at UFC 317
Gathje surrounding Olivea?
Popular coach and UFC analyst Din Thomas, who appeared on the “Fight Court” podcast, explained why Ilia Topuria prefers to join Justin Gaethje (H/T Mmajunkie).
“I think that also excited me,” Thomas said of Topuria vs. Gaethje on the Fight Court podcast. “I think the only other reason I can see them not giving it to Gaethje is the lasting impression that he was knocked out by Max (Holloway).
“It’s hard to say where Gaethje is going from here. Leave him to Arman (Tsarukyan)? I wanted to see him fight Ilia, honestly.
Oliveira was 2-2 on the final four outings, harboring losses against Islamist Makhachev and Ahman Tsarkian. The victory was against Benair Darish and Michael Chandler. Oliveira is the second-place UFC lightweight, and given his resume, there was not much backlash about him being booked in the vacant lightweight title fight.
