Justin Gaethje May Not Retire as Manager Reveals What’s Next for UFC Lightweight Champion

Controversial manager reveals Justin Gaethje may finally return to the octagon despite recent rumors claiming retirement.

Justin Gaethje May Not Retire as Manager Reveals What’s Next for UFC Lightweight Champion

Justin Gaethje's future outlined (via MMA Mania)

Justin Gaethje shocked the MMA world at UFC Freedom 250 by dominating Ilia Topuria and handing the Spaniard his first professional loss. The victory crowned Gaethje as the UFC lightweight champion. However, questions surrounded his future, with the champion now 37 and turning 38 in November. Ali Abdelaziz has now dismissed those retirement rumors, providing clarity on Gaethje’s future.

Gaethje has already fought twice in 2026. He earned a hard-fought unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 to win the interim lightweight title. Gaethje later defeated Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 but received a 180-day medical suspension after sustaining significant damage during the championship fight.

Gaethje has spent nine years in the UFC, facing many of the lightweight division’s toughest opponents. The battle-tested veteran has endured years of punishing fights, leading many to believe he would retire after winning the title. However, Abdelaziz has now revealed a different plan for the reigning champion.

2027, we’ll see Justin Gaethje fighting. He’s fought two times this year. He deserves the time off. He’s still the lightweight champion, undisputed, and I think all these guys have to chase him. But he wants to be in a big fight. A big, big fight. What is the big fight? Who decides that? It’s Dana White who decides what’s the biggest fight they can make.

Ali Abdelaziz via MMA Junkie

Gaethje’s retirement became a major talking point after recent comments from US Vice President JD Vance. During Gaethje’s White House visit, Vance revealed that he spoke with the champion’s mother. She expressed her hope that her son would retire after winning the undisputed lightweight title.

However, Gaethje has made it clear that he still wants to continue competing despite the retirement speculation. One of his biggest remaining goals is avenging previous losses before ending his career. ‘The Highlight’ has specifically spoken about rematching Max Holloway after suffering a dramatic last-second knockout at UFC 300.

Another name connected to Gaethje’s future is BMF champion Charles Oliveira, who previously faced him at UFC 274 in 2022. Oliveira submitted Gaethje in the first round, handing him another major setback in his UFC career. However, the Brazilian has already offered Gaethje a rematch with both the undisputed and BMF titles on the line.

Gaethje has shut down the possibility of an immediate rematch against Topuria, suggesting it will not happen. The champion has repeatedly opposed the idea, pointing to their UFC Freedom 250 fight. Gaethje has highlighted that the Spaniard did not continue into the final round after being stopped on the stool.

Justin Gaethje’s main priority is now the upcoming UFC 331 event and its lightweight implications. The co-main event features Arman Tsarukyan taking on Mauricio Ruffy in a crucial contender matchup. If the Armenian wins, he could cement his case for a title shot and become the next challenger for undisputed gold.

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UFC legend reveals the one matchup Justin Gaethje should chase before retirement

Justin Gaethje cemented himself as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history with his clinical performance at UFC Freedom 250. However, his career has included wars against elite opponents, suffering knockouts, submissions, and brutal exchanges. The damage accumulated throughout his career has led many in the UFC community to call for his retirement.

Another fighter who has experienced a similar situation is UFC superstar Conor McGregor, who remains the sport’s biggest star despite controversies and setbacks. His recent return against Max Holloway at UFC 329 also ended in disappointment. McGregor suffered a torn ACL and meniscus less than two minutes into the first round,

Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje’s future (via MMA Mania)

McGregor still holds the star power that made him the UFC’s biggest attraction despite setbacks. UFC 329 broke the promotion’s live gate record with a $26.4 million in ticket sales. UFC legend Georges St-Pierre recently weighed in on Gaethje’s situation, urging him to consider facing the Irish superstar before retiring.

If I would be Justin Gaethje, I think you might not like my answer but maybe retire now. What else does he want to accomplish? What could be bigger than this, what he just did. There’s one thing that could make me come back. Conor McGregor. He’s a big star, and you know he’s not gonna be on top of his game, he’s gonna be older.

Georges St-Pierre via Tim Welch on YouTube

Interestingly, Gaethje was called out by McGregor before UFC 329, creating interest around a potential matchup. The current champion also responded and attended the event at T-Mobile Arena, prepared to face the winner of McGregor vs. Holloway. However, it remains uncertain what is next for ‘The Highlight.’

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