“UFC has to Love Me Back” – Justin Gaethje Hands Ultimatum to Dana White’s Company Before Hanging up Gloves

UFC veteran Justin Gaethje threatens to leave the promotion if not given the title shot.

“UFC has to Love Me Back” – Justin Gaethje Hands Ultimatum to Dana White’s Company Before Hanging up Gloves

Justin Gaethje wants to leave UFC (via X)

The UFC lightweight division is filled with absolute killers, which leads to a very intense and hyper-competitive environment overall. Following Islam Makhachev‘s exit from the division, the vacant lightweight title is now up for grabs at UFC 317. Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira will now battle for the belt, while Justin Gaethje looks to make a serious move forward.

In his last outing, Gaethje beat Rafael Fiziev in a war and then asked for a title shot against Makhachev. The Dagestani showed interest, but the fight didn’t happen, and now with UFC 317 approaching, Paddy Pimblett is in the conversation as well. Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently spoke to Submission Radio and revealed details about the current behind-the-scenes title fight discussions.

He’s won three of his last four, he saved the UFC two times. They needed him, and he’s there. The guy did so much for the sport. If anyone said he doesn’t deserve it. He said, ‘If I’m not going to fight for the title, I’m just going to hang up my gloves. He said, ‘I’m not going to get a title shot. I feel disrespected. I love being a UFC fighter, I love the UFC, but I feel the UFC has to love me back.’ And he doesn’t feel the love right now.

Gaethje has already fought for the title twice and got submitted both times by Charles Oliveira and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Many doubted his chances against Makhachev, and the same skepticism exists for future bouts with Ilia Topuria or Oliveira again.

Gaethje is currently 36 years old and has been in the promotion for eight years, and has fought several legends of the sport. Following his brutal knockout loss against Max Holloway at UFC 300, the ‘Highlight’ decided to be more careful professionally. He understands he has very few fights left in his tank and wants to utilize them to win the belt.

Gaethje will keep a close look at it at UFC 317 as Topuria enters the fight as the fan favourite to beat ‘Do Bronx’. If the Georgian-Spanish star wins, there is a possibility of him calling out Paddy Pimblett, given their unsolved beef. If Oliveira takes the belt, it will be interesting to see if Gaethje gets an opportunity again.

Justin Gaethje gets submitted by a UFC veteran

Justin Gaethje rose to prominence through his brutal wars in WSOF, showcasing relentless pressure, leg kicks, and violent knockout power. He represents Elevation Fight Team in Colorado, benefiting from high-altitude conditioning and a team known for elite-level coaching and athlete development. His relationship with coach Trevor Wittman is deeply respectful, built on trust and a shared passion for calculated violence.

Justin Gaethje trains with Kamaru Usman
Justin Gaethje trains with Kamaru Usman (via X)

Training alongside former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has sharpened his wrestling defense and overall awareness inside the octagon. Both fighters are often seen grappling with each other, sharpening each other’s skills. Recently, in a viral video, Usman was seen submitting Gaethje, forcing him to tap.

Usman is currently preparing for his upcoming welterweight bout against rising contender Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. It’s shaping into a classic showdown between a seasoned veteran and a young, explosive fighter hungry for title contention. Buckley enters on a six-fight win streak, most recently defeating Colby Covington with power and relentless forward aggression throughout.

He’s confident about beating Usman and is already eyeing a title shot, boldly looking past the former welterweight champion. However, Usman, who is looking forward to bouncing back from three straight losses, will look to shut down his critics.