I think JG is making plenty of coin lol it’s not like he’s a chronic cherry picker. dude goes out there and puts on some of the most memorable fights in the modern era. It’s not entitlement when it’s something he’s clearly earned, imo. He never said he’s waiting for a title shot he had a fight he thought he was going to get that fell through in chandler and it’s only been 6 months. He’ll be in there before a year and if any single person has earned that break it’s him. Justin deserves an elite opponent. Hopefully Conor really does duck the Dustin fight and we can see Dustin Justin 2 for the title eliminator.
Nah bro I didn't say Gaethje is cherry picking his fights. What I'm saying here is that he does not have the luxury to sit out and wait, especially when plenty others are swooping in to snatch up the opportunities available.
As a disclaimer, I'll say that I'm a fan of Gaethje too. But I'll have to disagree with your assessment about entitlement. This is not like college where if you don't skip lectures and study hard, you are guaranteed more favorable outcomes - you have earned those better grades after all. In the business world however, there is no such cause and effect. You can be the best or hardest worker in the company, but as long as you are not pulling in the numbers, you don't get to call the shots. You don't earn anything the company doesn't choose to give you.
Justin is in that position right now. He is arguably #2 after Dustin. But why isn't Dana getting on his knees begging Gaethje to fight like how he is trying to woo Khabib back? The fact is unless you are a needle-mover, the UFC couldn't care less. Khabib brought in a new demographic of rich Arab fans for the organization. Gaethje has no such drawing power. As such, he has nothing to gain and everything to lose by sitting out.
This is not like the shallow HW division where Stipe can afford to wait a year for a rematch with DC. The fight game moves fast and in unexpected ways. While Gaethje is playing hard to get, Oliveira and Chandler had impressed enough folks to be in the next title fight. If Gaethje continues to sit around, the winner of Conor v Dustin 3 will get the next shot. Also, Ferguson and RDA have been clamoring for an opportunity for ages. Gaethje still doesn't play ball, and the UFC could easily promote a "redemption story" for Tony/RDA. And Gaethje would have to wait till 2022 for a meaningful fight, let alone a title shot.
Unless you are among the top earners, or have the popularity to corner new markets, fighters need to remain active. A fighter's career is relatively short, and can end suddenly at any time from injuries or other health reasons. Fighting gatekeepers for 200-300k is still 200-300k more money you'll have sitting on your ass waiting for the right fight. Leon Edwards went down the same path back in 2019. Just like everything you said about Gaethje, Edwards has "earned" and "deserves" a good fight. Fast-forward to 2021 and he is still playing 2nd fiddle to Masvidal.
