UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping recently addressed Justin Gaethje‘s threat to retire amid frustration over the lightweight division’s title fight decisions. Speaking on his podcast, Bisping warned Gaethje that stepping away from competition now could result in missed opportunities and financial setbacks. This comes after Gaethje was bypassed for a shot at the vacant lightweight title in favor of Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira‘s bout.
Justin Gaethje had openly expressed dissatisfaction with not receiving a title fight despite his recent victory over Rafael Fiziev and his previous agreement to face Max Holloway at UFC 300 as the top lightweight contender. Gaethje’s frustration stems from feeling overlooked in favor of other fighters when he believed he had earned a championship opportunity through strong performances.
Michael Bisping Urges Gaethje to Stay Active and Avoid Premature Retirement
During the latest episode of his Believe You Me podcast, Michael Bisping responded to Gaethje’s retirement talk with a direct and firm message. Bisping stressed the importance of staying active within the sport to capitalize on future fight opportunities and financial rewards before considering retirement. He emphasized that mixed martial arts is constantly evolving, with new fighters rising, and urged Gaethje to focus on accumulating earnings instead of stepping away prematurely:
“[Gaethje] feels like he deserves it. But the reality is, the sport evolves and it moves on and matures and new people come along and all the rest of it. My advice would be don’t do that. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Stay active, get another fight, get another payday. Stack your bank account with as much dough as possible before you decide to hang up the gloves, which isn’t that far away.” —Michael Bisping
Bisping’s advice highlights the financial implications of Gaethje’s threat and encourages him to maintain momentum in his career despite the current title fight controversies.
Bisping Believes Gaethje’s Legacy Will Endure Regardless of Championship Status
Aside from the retirement warning, Michael Bisping also commented on Gaethje’s lasting impact on the sport. He suggested that Gaethje’s achievements and exciting fighting style have already secured his place among MMA’s elite, irrespective of whether he captures the UFC lightweight championship. Bisping predicts Gaethje will earn a UFC Hall of Fame induction due to his thrilling performances and strong fighter spirit:
“This is a bold statement, but I think [Gaethje], let’s just say that he doesn’t become a champion. Let’s say he has five fights but he never becomes a champion, I think he’ll still be in the [UFC] Hall of Fame one day because of what he has brought to the sport. The excitement, performances and just embodying that kind of fighter spirit.” —Michael Bisping
Bisping’s perspective reassures Gaethje that his contributions to MMA are recognized and valued beyond title achievements, validating his status as one of the most dynamic fighters of his era.
Implications for Gaethje’s Career and the UFC Lightweight Division
The situation underscores the competitive and often unpredictable nature of title contention within the UFC lightweight division. Gaethje’s threat to retire introduces tension not only for the fighter himself but also for the promotion, as the division continues to evolve with emerging contenders like Ilia Topuria and established names like Charles Oliveira. With Bisping’s guidance, Gaethje may reconsider stepping away too soon, potentially prolonging his career and ensuring he leverages additional opportunities inside the Octagon.
As the lightweight title picture develops, the decisions Gaethje makes regarding his future could significantly affect his legacy, earnings, and standing within the sport. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether Gaethje heeds Bisping’s advice and how the UFC positions the lightweight championship moving forward.