Justin Gaethje, Al Iaquinta Trade Barbs on Social Media Regarding Potential August Showdown

Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight Justin Gaethje is interested in stepping into the Octagon next against the man who challenged for the title last month in Al Iaquinta.

Reports surfaced last week of a potential fight between the pair when Iaquinta revealed on his “Call Me Al” podcast that he expects to fight Gaejthe in August:

“We’re hoping for some time in August,” Iaquinta said. “August, September. I think they wanted it to be sooner, but like, that guy needs a rest. I was looking out for his health with that one. He needs a break for a minute.

“If it goes down the way it’s supposed to, it’ll be a good fight, a tough fight.”

However Gaethje poured cold water on those words on Monday afternoon stating that he had heard that the Long Island Native wouldn’t be ready to fight in August:

Raging @ALIAQUINTA must have been trying to sound tough on his new podcast. Word on the street is he’s not ready for August #ufc #mma @ufc pic.twitter.com/qagMjw4IiD

— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) May 28, 2018

This kicked off an exchange between the pair with Iaquinta stating he is open to fighting Gaethje anywhere, anytime:

Somewhere in middle America. Sign up.

— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) May 28, 2018

Both fighters suffered losses in their fights in April, with Gaethje involved in a “Fight of the Year” contender against Dustin Poirier, where he was knocked out.

Iaquinta took on the undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 223 on short notice after the Dagestan’s initial opponents, lightweight interim champion Tony Ferguson and featherweight champion Max Holloway, both had to withdraw due to injuries.

A Gaethje-Iaquinta fight is another potential award contender given their aggressive styles. It would also be a pivotal fight for both if it goes ahead for their title aspirations.