Justin Gaethje says he will fight in the UFC again, on one condition…
The former BMF Champion wasn’t too happy when he was passed up for the next lightweight title fight at UFC 317. Former champion (and Gaethje’s former foe) Charles Oliveira was chosen to fight the undefeated Ilia Topuria for the vacant title at this year’s International Fight Week.
Oliveira is 2-2 in his last four fights while Gaethje is 3-1, with his only loss a brutal KO to Max Holloway at UFC 300 in April 2024. UFC analyst Din Thomas said Gaethje would’ve been the more exciting fight for Topuria, saying the Holloway KO likely factored into the UFC’s decision to go with Oliveira instead.
Upset about the title snub, Gaethje’s manager Ali Abdelaziz claimed Gaethje would retire if he’s not given a title opportunity; it would be Gaethje’s third as the former interim champion is 0-2 in undisputed title fights. His rival Dustin Poirier received a third title shot against Islam Makhachev last year.
Done fighting for fun, Justin Gaethje has addressed his manager’s retirement ultimatum.
Justin Gaethje says he’ll only fight winner of Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira
Among potential opponents for the likes of Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett, it looks like Gaethje won’t be settling for anything other than a lightweight title fight at this stage of his career.
Gaethje is coming off a near-finish of top contender Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, feeling he is owed a title shot.
“I’m waiting for the winner of Ilia and Charles,” Gaethje told MMA Fighting’s Jose Youngs.
“I’ll be there. That’s [who] I wanna fight.”
“Let’s see how it goes,” Gaethje said of his retirement ultimatum.
“Catch me on a certain day. I’ll tell you a certain thing. It’s a very emotional sport, but, I try not to speak too out of pocket when I’m emotional, which is right now.
“So, I’m gonna fight again in the future. Has to be the champion.”
Justin Gaethje responds to Ilia Topuria entertaining welterweight move
Ahead of his return at lightweight, Topuria has talked about a potential move to the welterweight division in an effort to chase down Islam Makhachev and a third belt.
Topuria left the featherweight division earlier this year after one title defense against Max Holloway.
“I can’t control any of that, so I don’t spend no energy on it,” Gaethje said of Topuria’s potential move to featherweight.
“But, sounds stupid to me,” Gaethje added.