UFC 249: Ferguson Lost More Than Title After Loss To Gaethje

The odds were against Justin Gaethje but the 31-year-old found a way to defy them. Coming in as a last-minute replacement for Khabib Nurmagomedov. Gaethje won via technical knockout (TKO) in the fifth round against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 that was held at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. The win allowed him to claim the interim UFC lightweight title.

For Gaethje, the outcomes came as a surprise to some. He was the underdog heading into UFC 249, understandably because he was ill-prepared compared to Ferguson. It was the 36-year-old's first loss in eight years and an outcome that could kill all hopes of him getting a fight with Nurmagomedov.

And while he won the UFC 249 clash, it appeared Gaethje was far from satisfied with the interim belt. After UFC president Dana White placed the belt around his waist, the 31-year-old tossed it away and said that he will just wait for the real one, ESPN reported.

"It feels good. Not many people in the world, much less fighters in the UFC, get to achieve this. So it feels fantastic, and I should enjoy it. But that was the competitor in me. You can never be satisfied. When I get the belt, I want the next one," Gaethje said in a post-fight news conference.

Gaethje churned out a dominating performance, battering Ferguson throughout. The aftermath was apparent with Ferguson's eyes swollen aside from a huge cut on his right cheek. Unfortunately, Gaethje did not get his wish of wanting his nose to be broken by Ferguson. In a previous post, it was mentioned that he wanted the mixed martial arts veteran to break it so he can have it repaired and breathe better.

Aside from the beating and losing to Gaethje, Ferguson will have to work his way up again to be considered for a fight against Nurmagomedov. Ironically, the Russian was one of the many people who watched the fight online and seemed pretty impressed with Gaethje's performance. He sent his congratulations on Twitter.

Now, Gaethje preps for what will perhaps be a big fight ahead. White mentioned that the winner of the UFC 249 main event will get a title shot against Nurmagomedov. And the 31-year-old can't wait to meet the Russian in what should be an explosive UFC clash.

"I can't wait to face the challenge," Gaethje said. "We're competitors. That's why we're here. He owes it to me to try and kill me, and I owe him the same."