US Vice President Makes Startling Claim About Justin Gaethje’s Future After Speaking With UFC Champion’s Mother

US Vice President JD Vance details how a conversation with Justin Gaethje's mother cleared doubts regarding his retirement.

US Vice President Makes Startling Claim About Justin Gaethje’s Future After Speaking With UFC Champion’s Mother

Justin Gaethje with JD Vance (via Instagram)

Justin Gaethje has been a UFC mainstay since his debut in 2017, becoming one of the lightweight division’s biggest names. Over the years, he has been part of countless wars against elite competition. However, his career’s biggest achievement came after winning the lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250. Now 37 years old, the undisputed lightweight champion’s future remains a major question mark.

At UFC Freedom 250, Gaethje faced Ilia Topuria for the lightweight title and entered the bout as the underdog. Gaethje landed effective strikes early, absorbed Topuria’s pressure, and survived dangerous moments before turning the fight around. He repeatedly hurt the Spanish phenom with powerful right hands, leading to a corner stoppage after the fourth round and won the lightweight championship.

Gaethje became an American hero that night on the South Lawn of the White House after defeating Topuria for the title. He overcame the odds and dominated Topuria in a way no fighter had before, adding significance to his victory. This earned Gaethje a visit to the Oval Office, where US Vice President J.D. Vance has now revealed that he spoke with his mother, Carolina Gaethje, about the champion’s future.

I asked Justin, ‘Are you done fighting?’ and he kind of hesitated for a little bit. His mom was with him in the Oval Office, and she was like, ‘Yes.’

JD Vance via PowerfulJRE #2526

Following his victory at UFC Freedom 250, Gaethje met US President Donald Trump and his family inside the Octagon after capturing the lightweight title. Gaethje later visited the White House, where Trump praised the champion and congratulated him for achieving such a remarkable feat.

Former UFC fighter Matt Brown argued that Gaethje should not retire after his Freedom 250 victory over Topuria. Brown disagreed with Georges St-Pierre’s belief that fighters should walk away after reaching the peak. He stated that the 37-year-old’s performance showed he can still compete at the highest level.

Many fighters have called out Gaethje to become the first challenger for his newly won lightweight title. UFC legend Conor McGregor also expressed interest in facing the champion. However, that matchup does not appear possible after McGregor suffered a knee injury at UFC 329 during his return bout.

Another major name linked to Gaethje is UFC BMF champion Charles Oliveira, who has called for a rematch with the lightweight champion. Oliveira previously submitted Gaethje at UFC 274 in the very first round. The Brazilian star has now offered to put his BMF title on the line for a potential rematch.

After UFC Freedom 250, Justin Gaethje revealed that he had promised his mother that he would not retire immediately after the fight. The latest revelation from JD Vance about a conversation with his mother has only added to speculation surrounding the American’s future after capturing the lightweight title.

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Justin Gaethje shuts down plans of a rematch with former rival

Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett fought for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 in the main event. Gaethje secured a unanimous decision victory after five rounds, using his experience and striking to defeat the Liverpudlian star. The win earned Gaethje the interim lightweight championship.

The defeat marked Pimblett’s first loss in the UFC after a successful run inside the promotion. Pimblett previously defeated Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler during his rapid rise in the lightweight division. Those victories helped establish him as a major name before his setback against Gaethje.

Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje
Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje (via X)

However, Pimblett returned to the win column at UFC 329 by submitting Benoit Saint-Denis in just 52 seconds of the opening round. Pimblett has continued to express his desire to compete for the lightweight title in the future. However, Gaethje believes he does not want to give Pimblett a rematch.

Destined for each other to fight again? No, I think it’s crazy what my story has done for so many people. It’s pretty cool across the board, all athletes respect our sport because it’s so humbling, so primal. It’s one of one. It’s freaking awesome.

Justin Gaethje via The Pat McAfee Show

Justin Gaethje also pointed to his victories over Rafael Fiziev as examples of how facing him has become a learning experience for his opponents. Fiziev recently returned with a knockout victory over Manuel Torres. Gaethje’s comments highlight his belief that his fights leave a lasting impact on the division.

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