As UFC 317 approaches, Justin Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA, has issued a stark warning: if Gaethje does not receive a UFC title shot soon, the fighter may choose to retire. This development has cast uncertainty over the future of The Highlight within the UFC, intensifying discussions about Justin Gaethje retirement UFC title prospects.
Despite Gaethje’s own mixed messages on his plans, fluctuating between optimism and doubt during Fanatics Fest 2025, Abdelaziz has grown more vocal. During an appearance on the Pound 4 Pound show hosted by former champions Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Abdelaziz underscored Gaethje’s contributions and sacrifices, arguing that the UFC owes Gaethje a title opportunity.
Manager Details Gaethje’s Contributions and UFC’s Obligations
Ali Abdelaziz reminded fans and officials alike that Gaethje voluntarily accepted challenging fights against Rafael Fiziev twice, despite their lower ranking, and headlined a major event by facing Max Holloway at UFC 300. These commitments, Abdelaziz suggested, show Gaethje’s dedication and willingness to elevate the sport.
He added pointed commentary on the UFC’s matchmaking choices, highlighting that the promotion appears keen to build up fighters like Paddy Pimblett before moving toward the title contenders. Abdelaziz noted:
Nobody can say s*** to Justin Gaethje, and I normally don’t go talk about stuff like this publicly. I think they want him to fight Paddy Pimblett, and nothing against Paddy, I know what the UFC’s doing, they want Paddy to win to fight Ilia, and there will be a huge fight.
—Ali Abdelaziz, Manager
When directly asked if Gaethje might retire if denied a championship bout, Abdelaziz responded with certainty:
I think he’s the type of guy who will. He will walk away. Justin Gaethje will walk away.
—Ali Abdelaziz, Manager
Potential Standoff Between Gaethje’s Camp and UFC Leadership
The comments from Abdelaziz suggest a brewing tension between Gaethje’s representatives and UFC officials. With a history of fighters who step up expecting rewards, Abdelaziz remains hopeful the UFC will honor Gaethje with a title shot. However, UFC President Dana White’s recent statements have signaled resistance to this demand, complicating the situation.
Following UFC 317’s conclusion in Las Vegas, White was asked about Gaethje’s ultimatum and replied dismissively, indicating frustration with threats of retirement. White emphasized that retirement talk should lead to an actual exit from the sport and downplayed the idea of a guaranteed title shot as a precondition for Gaethje’s continued competition:
Listen, if you’re thinking about retiring, you know how I feel about that — you should probably retire. We love Justin Gaethje and Gaethje did step up [for UFC 300] and he’s been an exciting and fun fighter to have here in the UFC, but to say unless you give me a title shot otherwise I’m retiring, that’s pretty wacky.
—Dana White, UFC President
Gaethje’s Own Words Reflect Ambivalence About Retirement
Justin Gaethje himself has been cautious in addressing his future, often providing mixed signals about retirement and next steps. At Fanatics Fest 2025, when pressed by MMAFighting’s José Youngs, Gaethje avoided committing to a definitive stance, citing the emotional nature of the sport and his fluctuating mindset.
He indicated a conditional intent to continue fighting but emphasized the importance of competing for the championship:
So, I’m gonna fight again in the future. Has to be the champion.
—Justin Gaethje, UFC Fighter
This guarded response highlights the fragile state of the relationship between Gaethje and the UFC, with the fighter’s motivation closely tied to his chance at the title. Given the unresolved status and Dana White’s current stance, a prolonged disagreement between the two sides seems likely.
Implications for UFC’s Lightweight Division and Gaethje’s Career
The potential retirement of Justin Gaethje over a denied title shot would represent a significant loss for the UFC’s lightweight division, which already features a crowded and competitive roster. Gaethje’s exciting style and willingness to fight top contenders have made him a fan favorite and a major draw in the sport.
If the UFC fails to provide a clear path to the championship for Gaethje, his exit could alter matchmaking dynamics and disrupt plans involving fighters like Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria. The forthcoming decisions by Dana White and UFC executives will be critical in determining whether Gaethje remains a key contender or steps away from the sport.