Justin Gaethje gives UFC 280 & UFC 281 predictions

Justin Gaethje is keeping a close eye on how things unfold at the top of the UFC lightweight division.

The UFC lightweight division has long been considered one of the deepest groups in the sport. With names like Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Islam Makhachev lurking within, it’s hard to argue that point. The title picture remains murky, but a former interim champion, Justin Gaethje is watching everything unfold with a keen eye as he looks for his route back to title contention.

Gaethje last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 274 where he was stopped by former champion, Oliveira. Even though Oliveira won that bout in convincing fashion, issues on the scale prior kept him from being able to claim the championship. Now he has an opportunity to regain his championship if he can get through number four ranked, Makhachev.

“I told them that I’ll be ready next year sometime,” Gaethje said during an interview with FanSided MMA’s Amy Kaplan. “I haven’t been able to spar yet, but I am in good shape. I’m getting more hungry to compete, so next year anytime.”

Justin Gaethje predicts the winner of UFC 280: Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev

Of the four men in the 155-pound title picture currently, Makhachev is the one individual that Gaethje hasn’t competed against. Even without that familiarity, it seems he’s leaning toward a Makhachev victory over the Brazilian that forced him to submit back in May.

“They are fighting for the championship and I’ll definitely be watching it,” Gaethje said. “There are a couple of different scenarios I keep playing out. Most likely Makhachev wins by decision, I’m not sure how it will go. Oliveira’s been impressive, I’m excited to watch it.”

Justin Gaethje predicts the winner of UFC 281: Dustin Poirier vs Michael Chandler

Gaethje is especially familiar with Chandler and Poirier. He’s competed against both men, taking on Chandler in 2021 at UFC 268 and Poirier back in 2018. Each of these fights was considered among the best offered in the sport that year, as all three men brought the violence in mass. Gaethje split the difference, defeating Chandler via decision, and losing to Poirier via fourth-round stoppage. His insight is seemingly leaning toward the former champion in Poirier, but even that seems unsure.

“I’m not sure, I think it’s going to be a great fight. My initial thought is that Poirier will beat Chandler, similar to the way that I beat him,” Gaethje said. “The biggest factor will be if Poirier can stop Chandler’s wrestling. If Chandler gets him down a couple of times that will change the way the fight will play out. I don’t think I would want to put money on that fight.”