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Justin Gaethje Predicts Conor McGregor Win, But "Prays" For A Cerrone Knockout

Photo Credit: Kyle Terada
Gaehtje (left) argues with the referee after his opening round knockout of Donald Cerrone in September. 

Perennial lightweight contender, Justin 'The Highlight' Gaethje has given his official prediction ahead of UFC 246, and the main event between Conor McGregor, and Donald Cerrone, and in a decision which may shock some - has opted to choose a McGregor victory come January 18th.

The former World Series Of Fighting lightweight best certainly has history with both the Dubliner and the Denver native - having fruitlessly campaigned for a showdown with 'The Notorious' one throughout last year, and handed Cerrone a knockout defeat in his last outing. The Arizonian is yet to be paired since his September victory over 'Cowboy' - which catapulted him to the #3 rank at 155-pounds and extended his win streak to three. In an interview on Sirius XM, Gaethje gave his thoughts on how the welterweight affair between McGregor and Cerrone will play out.

"I'm sure I would lean toward Conor (McGregor)," Gaethje said. "You know distance management and timing and super, super-valuable, and that's what I think was the big key to success in that fight (against Donald Cerrone) and I think that's going to be a factor in this fight. But I will pray many time's over that Cowboy (Cerrone) knocks him out."

Gaethje, who recently turned 31-years-old, is determined not to be leapfrogged by McGregor in regards to the next shot at the lightweight championship. In April, Khabib Nurmagomedov is scheduled to meet Tony Ferguson for an incredible fifth time - but a win for McGregor over Cerrone simply isn't enough to warrant the Dubliner a re-run for championship gold, according to Gaethje.

"There's so much that can happen between now and then. If McGregor beats Cowboy Cerrone, he's not going to get a title shot off that. He's going to probably try and fight Jorge Masvidal and if he beats Jorge Masvidal, then he might be able to get the title shot at 155 (pounds), but his next after Cowboy is not going to be the 155-pound title shot because that's happening on April 18 (sic). 

 For Gaethje, it seems the next viable contender at lightweight is in fact, himself - despite UFC President, Dana White's recent claims that Gaethje has turned down a number of bouts during 2019. 'The Highlight' as mentioned earlier, added Cerrone to his win streak four months ago, which includes two prior opening round knockouts of the tricky, Muay Thai specialist, Edson Barboza, and James Vick.

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