Justin Gaethje Opens as Underdog in Potential Fights with Nurmagomedov, McGregor

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Justin Gaethje’s victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 has created some intriguing opportunities for the newly-crowned interim lightweight champion.

The most obvious of those would be a potential title unification bout with reigning 155-pound king Khabib Nurmagomedov. That appears to be the most likely future matchup, though a date for such a bout is unknown at the present time. In the immediate aftermath of UFC 249, Gaethje mentioned that August or September might be a good timeframe for that fight.

Gaethje opened as a +200 underdog in a matchup with Nurmagomedov, according to online oddsmaker BetOnline. Nurmagomedov, who is unbeaten in 28 professional bouts and rarely loses rounds in the Octagon, was initially listed as a -250 favorite.

Before the coronavirus pandemic hit and Gaethje stepped in on short notice to claim the interim lightweight crown, “The Highlight” was linked to a potential matchup with Conor McGregor at International Fight Week in July. With Gaethje’s profile at an all-time high, BetOnline isn’t ruling out the possibility of that clash still happening. According to the site, McGregor opened as a -175 favorite, with Gaethje checking in as a +150 underdog.

Odds are subject to change, and either fight must occur by Dec. 31 for action.

Justin Gaethje Future Odds

Justin Gaethje  vs Khabib Nurmagomedov
Justin Gaethje                           +200     (2/1)
Khabib Nurmagomedov             -250     (2/5)

Justin Gaethje vs Conor McGregor
Justin Gaethje                           +150     (3/2)
Conor McGregor                       -175     (4/7)