Cejudo: Usman Nurmagomedov Is Gaethje's Toughest Fight

Henry Cejudo says Usman Nurmagomedov, not Arman Tsarukyan, is the toughest stylistic matchup for UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, even though Nurmagomedov has never fought inside the Octagon.

Cejudo made the case on his Pound 4 Pound Show, breaking down what he sees as a clear pattern in Gaethje's career. He said the biggest threat to Gaethje is Nurmagomedov, adding that he had previously viewed Tsarukyan as the tougher matchup before changing his mind.

Why Cejudo Thinks Height and Range Are the Problem

Cejudo's reasoning centers on a trend he says shows up whenever Gaethje faces shorter opponents. He referenced a comment from Gaethje's father that he believes got under Ilia Topuria's skin before their fight, the idea that Gaethje has a really good time against shorter guys. Cejudo pointed to Rafael Fiziev and Topuria as fighters who fit that mold, saying Gaethje tends to have his way against them, and argued that Nurmagomedov's size and pressure would present a completely different problem at 155 pounds.

Nurmagomedov is unbeaten with a 22-0 record and 1 no contest, and fought out his PFL contract with a first-round knockout of Archie Colgan in July, making him arguably the hottest free agent in MMA right now. He has not signed with the UFC, and no fight involving him has been arranged. Cejudo's take is speculation about a stylistic clash, not a real booking.

Where This Leaves Gaethje's Next Fight

A Gaethje-Nurmagomedov fight is hypothetical for now, and Gaethje isn't fighting again soon regardless. Gaethje won the lightweight title over Topuria in June but told Sports Illustrated that his hands are still not right. He said he still can't punch anything, that both of his hands are still hurt from the fight, and that he plans to enjoy being champion for the rest of the year.

That timeline means Gaethje's first title defense likely doesn't happen until 2026 at the earliest, well before Nurmagomedov could complete a UFC debut, let alone climb into title contention.

For bettors, there's nothing to price yet since Nurmagomedov isn't under UFC contract and no matchup exists on paper. But the chatter is worth filing away for lightweight futures markets. If Nurmagomedov does sign and works his way up the rankings, a fight with Gaethje figures to draw a much tighter line than most people would expect against a reigning champion, given the size and grappling questions Cejudo is raising about that matchup. Until a contract and a date exist, this stays a talking point rather than a betting proposition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does Henry Cejudo think is Justin Gaethje's toughest matchup?

Henry Cejudo named Usman Nurmagomedov, the unbeaten former PFL lightweight champion, as Justin Gaethje's toughest stylistic matchup, ahead of Arman Tsarukyan.

Has Usman Nurmagomedov signed with the UFC?

As of now, Usman Nurmagomedov has not signed with the UFC. He finished his PFL contract with a knockout win over Archie Colgan in July and is considered a top free agent.

When will Justin Gaethje defend the UFC lightweight title?

Justin Gaethje has said he will not fight again in 2025, citing lingering hand injuries from his title-winning fight against Ilia Topuria.