Jon Anik: Justin Gaethje ‘Absolutely’ Deserves UFC Title Shot After Rafael Fiziev Win

After securing a decisive victory over Rafael Fiziev, Justin Gaethje has positioned himself as a strong candidate for the next UFC lightweight title shot. Many in the MMA community, including commentator Jon Anik, believe he should be next in line to challenge Islam Makhachev.

Speaking with Bloody Elbow, Anik emphasized that Gaethje’s performance at UFC 303 wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. “He absolutely should fight Islam Makhachev for the title,” Anik said. “I don’t know that he could’ve done more with this showcase, and sometimes decision wins could be better than finishes. In this instance, had there been a quick knockout, I actually think this is more useful. Justin Gaethje is going to go in the Hall of Fame twice.”

With the lightweight division packed with potential challengers, the conversation around Gaethje’s title opportunity remains heated. Ranked ahead of him are Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira, both of whom Makhachev has already beaten. Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria has vacated his featherweight title to move up to 155 lbs, putting himself in the mix.

However, Makhachev’s camp appears skeptical about Topuria’s immediate title worthiness. “It would seem to me that Ilia Topuria has the inside track to fight Islam Makhachev,” Anik speculated. “I wonder if Islam will have any say in all of this, and I wonder if his history having defended his title twice against a featherweight in Alexander Volkanovski plays into this at all.”

Ultimately, the UFC must decide whether to reward Gaethje with the long-awaited title shot or introduce Topuria into the mix. “The nature of this win for Gaethje and the fact that we haven’t seen that fight, to me, promotionally, I would go in that direction,” Anik added.