Justin Gaethje May Rematch Paddy Pimblett Next and Not Ilia Topuria, Predicts Dan Hooker

Justin Gaethje is awaiting his next opponent to defend his lightweight title in 2027 after two successful outings in 2026.

Justin Gaethje May Rematch Paddy Pimblett Next and Not Ilia Topuria, Predicts Dan Hooker

Justin Gaethje may rematch Paddy Pimblett instead of Ilia Topuria (Image via Bloody Elbow/Facebook)

The future of UFC lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje, remains uncertain at the moment. After defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, Gaethje hinted at a possible retirement. However, he could return for a major payday, putting his retirement on hold.

‘The Highlight’ has maintained that he doesn’t want to fight again in 2026 due to competing twice in the first half of the year. As such, a 2027 return to defend his title is more likely. With that, the promotion booked Arman Tsarukyan vs Mauricio Ruffy as UFC 331’s co-main event to determine the next challenger.

Lightweight contender Dan Hooker recently spoke about the title picture. He reasoned that Tsarukyan or Ruffy won’t be next as there is someone else with huge momentum to fight the champion. Hooker pointed to Paddy Pimblett after how UFC 331 almost had a different co-main event.

He’s the champ, he can do whatever he want. Some champs can’t, but Justin Gaethje can. For sure they’re just sliding Paddy Pimblett into a title fight. That’s probably what they’re gonna do. No one likes interim title fights. I thought they were making Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan for the next title shot.

Dan Hooker told Submission Radio

Whatever Hooker said has taken the MMA community by surprise. After all, Ruffy said he would get the next title shot if he defeats Tsarukyan at UFC 331.

Initially, Tsarukyan was rumored to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 331. However, Ruffy signed the contract on short-notice once Oliveira decided to take time off after the death of his training partner.

Gaethje also revealed that he did not want to rematch Topuria next, and credited Tsarukyan as a deserving challenger. Nevertheless, Pimblett is in a good position at the moment.

After submitting Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329, Pimblett is eyeing the lightweight title. He is willing to face anyone to get another title shot. However, Hooker thinks Gaethje may rematch Pimblett next due to the star power attached to the matchup.

Manager of Gaethje revealed that it is up to Dana White and the UFC on deciding the next opponent for ‘The Highlight.’ Only time will tell if Hooker’s prediction was right or if the promotion looks for a fresher matchup for the lightweight champion.

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Justin Gaethje not closing doors for Conor McGregor matchup

Although Paddy Pimblett was the star of the show at UFC 329, all eyes were on Conor McGregor as he took on Max Holloway. Gaethje entertained a matchup against McGregor if the Irishman could get past Holloway at UFC 329.

Justin Gaethje may entertain Conor McGregor bout
Justin Gaethje may entertain Conor McGregor bout (Image via ESPN/UFC.com)

Unfortunately, the Irish star suffered an injury in the very first minute and the referee called off the fight soon after. McGregor underwent surgery recently, and is on course to return in 2027. Nevertheless, Gaethje is not ruling out a matchup against McGregor.

If it came to my table, I would entertain it. But I would doubt that. He’s going through his own stuff. I don’t even want to talk down on that guy anymore. I’ve done it. That doesn’t work because I’ve tried.

Justin Gaethje said

Gaethje and McGregor have taken shots at each other for years. McGregor is the only fighter that Gaethje has yet to fight from the stacked lineup of lightweights from the mid-to-late 2010s.

‘The Highlight‘ has taken on the likes of Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Eddie Alvarez in his legendary career. Only McGregor is excluded from his resume.

At the moment, McGregor vs Gaethje is not possible as the Irishman is far away from the title picture as possible. Hence, fans are likely to miss out on this superfight.

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