UFC Commentator Predicts Major Shakeup to 155lbs Division as Justin Gaethje’s Future Uncertain

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje's possible retirement and future in the sport is a major topic of discussion in the MMA community.

UFC Commentator Predicts Major Shakeup to 155lbs Division as Justin Gaethje’s Future Uncertain

Justin Gaethje's retirement plan (via Bleacher Report)

Justin Gaethje did the unexpected at UFC Freedom 250 by defeating Ilia Topuria and becoming the first fighter to stop him professionally. However, questions immediately emerged about Gaethje’s future as a champion on whether he would defend the title, with retirement discussions gaining attention.

Gaethje has been involved in countless wars throughout his UFC career, becoming one of the promotion’s most exciting veterans. He challenged for undisputed gold twice but faced submission losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 and Charles Oliveira at UFC 274 before finally winning the lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250.

The 37-year-old Colorado native has been involved in countless striking battles and taken major damage throughout his career. Many in the MMA community have urged him to retire on top after achieving championship success.

However, Gaethje has revealed that he still hasn’t made a final decision about his future. Popular UFC commentator Jon Anik has now weighed in on the situation and its impact on the lightweight division.

I don’t think Justin Gaethje is going to fight again. I think there is a little bit of maternal pressure coming.

Jon Anik via The Anik and Florian Podcast

While the newly crowned champion has not made an official decision about his future, retirement talks have continued among fans and the MMA community. During Gaethje’s White House visit, US Vice President JD Vance revealed that he spoke with Gaethje’s mother, who confirmed her son would retire from MMA.

Gaethje has also been vocal about his first title defense and his plans moving forward as champion. He has stated that he has no plans to rematch Topuria after making the Spaniard quit on his stool during their fight. Gaethje believes giving Arman Tsarukyan the next title opportunity would be a better matchup.

However, Tsarukyan has waited for a title shot for more than a year after establishing himself as one of the lightweight division’s top contenders. The Armenian recently stated that he wants Gaethje to retire, believing a fight against Liverpool star Paddy Pimblett would be a better matchup for the division.

Gaethje faced Pimblett at UFC 324, where he captured the interim lightweight title before headlining UFC Freedom 250 against Topuria. ‘The Highlight’ has also revealed that he wants to sit out the remainder of 2026, as he has already fought twice this year. The champion is now considering his next move after an eventful run.

Justin Gaethje has also been offered a chance to avenge his UFC 274 loss to Charles Oliveira, who is now the BMF champion and has called out the American star. However, it remains to be seen if Jon Anik’s comments about Gaethje’s mother being a major influence in his retirement will eventually come true.

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Former UFC champion made bank after Justin Gaethje’s title win at UFC Freedom 250

Justin Gaethje entered UFC Freedom 250 as a major underdog, with many doubting his chances against Ilia Topuria. The veteran was listed as a +400 underdog heading into the fight, while Topuria was heavily favored due to his undefeated record and dominant rise through the division.

The odds were turned upside down on the White House South Lawn as Gaethje produced a major upset at UFC Freedom 250. After two hard-fought rounds, he found his momentum in the third and overwhelmed Topuria, leading to a corner stoppage at the end of the fourth round.

Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje as UFC Lightweight champion (via Imagn)

Several fighters placed their bets on the UFC Freedom 250 main event, with Arman Tsarukyan backing Gaethje despite the huge odds against him. The Armenian contender reportedly wagered $1 million on Gaethje, turning it into a massive $5.7 million payout after the upset victory.

Francis Ngannou’s history with the UFC involved disputes over fighter pay and contract negotiations, leading to his departure from the promotion in 2023. The former heavyweight champion recently revealed that he backed Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 after believing the odds underestimated the veteran.

It was a beautiful event. It was great and had a lot of great fights that were entertaining — basically, the main event, though. Wow! That was a hell of a fight. This is Justin Gaethje, man. Like, I mean, even when the guy lost, he always show up and give you the show, put on the show. I put my money on Gaethje. I saw the odds and I’m like, ‘Something’s wrong with these bookmakers.’ Like, what’s wrong? This is Justin Gaethje, man. Thanks to him, I had a wonderful day. I’m having a beautiful week.

Francis Ngannou via TMZ

Ngannou had also expressed interest in fighting on the White House card, which would have marked his UFC return. However, the Cameroonian heavyweight remains at odds with Dana White. His support for Justin Gaethje added another chapter to their ongoing rivalry.

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