Justin Gaethje shuts down rematch with Michael Chandler: 'I prefer something new'

Justin Gaethje is not interested in running things back with Michael Chandler.

Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) outlasted Chandler in a Fight of the Year battle in 2018. In a recent interview on Bussin’ with the Boys, Chandler expressed interest in getting that fight back against Gaethje, but “The Highlight” has other ideas.

He would rather take on a fresh opponent, but if his next fight is a rematch, it won’t be against Chandler (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC).

“I’m more interested in a rematch with (Charles) Oliveira or (Dustin) Poirier,” Gaethje told Helen Yee. “I prefer something new. I think me and Poirier would be a great fight if it is his last one. I just think that we’re both contenders, and I don’t think we’re contenders if (Chandler and I) fight each other.

“I’m content with a 1-1. Hopefully he is. I think Dan Hooker, I don’t know if (Alexander) Volkanovski is coming (back to lightweight). I know (Max) Holloway is coming (to 155), or maybe he comes back up. I would love that rematch. But being No. 3, there’s a lot of options. I told them I want to fight in March. So March, I think it’s in Vegas. I’ll be there.”

Chandler’s interest in Gaethje comes after tasting defeat against Charles Oliveira for the second time this past Saturday at UFC 309. Having fought and lost to Oliveira before, Gaethje had high praise for the former UFC lightweight champion.

“Man, Oliveira is a problem,” Gaethje said. “The guy is tough. He’s good. He’s come into himself, I guess. He’s been there since he was a kid, same with Max Holloway. All these guys came in and started fighting the best of the best at such a young age, and to see them come along and go through the rough road, and then come out on top has been impressive to watch, and it was an impressive fight.”