PHILADELPHIA – If there’s one lesson from UFC on ESPN 2, it’s that lightweight star Justin Gaethje dislikes hypotheticals.

So when Paul Felder respectfully broached the idea of a fight on the post-fight show for UFC on ESPN 2, Gaethje was none too pleased.

Moments after his interview, Gaethje called Felder’s overture “bull(expletive).”

“He’s trying to steal my thunder, him and Karyn (Bryant),” Gaethje said backstage at Wells Fargo Center, which hosted his stunning knockout over Edson Barboza (20-7 MMA, 14-7 UFC).

Standing next to Gaethje (20-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC), Felder (16-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) did clarify he was putting his name in the hat with the utmost respect. UFC analyst Bryant added she was simply endorsing a beloved colleague at the commentary desk. But an awkward still interaction ensued.

“You don’t want that to happen,” Gaethje shot back with a smile.

“Whether it’s now, or whether it’s later, me and you are going to put on a show for these fans some day,” Felder replied. “And I say that, honest to god, with the most respect possible, because I enjoy watching you fight, brother. Congratulations on a dominant win.”

“Thank you, man,” Gaethje said. “Hey, it’s one at a time. You’ve got a couple guys in front of you.”

“I’m not saying that,” Felder said. “I’m good.”

“I’m just kidding,” Gaethje said, giving Felder’s shoulder a slap and a squeeze.

After another impressive first-round stoppage, Gaethje was more interested in soaking up his win. Although he did welcome a fight with lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (27-0 MMA, 11-0 UFC), he didn’t want to get sidetracked by lesser challenges. After his win and on the post-fight show, he railed on a UFC ranking system that had downgraded him.

Asked whether he simply wasn’t interested in facing Felder, Gaethje told MMA Junkie, “You’re doing it again.” Earlier in the week, he had vented about a headline where he expressed interest in a rematch with Dustin Poirier, the last opponent to beat him.

Gaethje will eventually move from the hypothetical to reality as he reaps the rewards of another big win. He’s very selective of what he’ll talk about until that moment.

For complete coverage of UFC on ESPN 2, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

Justin Gaethje def. Edson Barboza at UFC Philadelphia: Best photos