Justin Gaethje’s camp has issued a firm warning that the former UFC lightweight contender will retire if he is not granted the next title shot, intensifying discussions about his future in the division. The announcement comes amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the UFC lightweight championship landscape as Gaethje seeks the recognition he believes he deserves.
Manager Ali Abdelaziz Discusses Gaethje’s Position and UFC Dynamics
During a recent appearance on the Pound-4-Pound podcast, Ali Abdelaziz, Gaethje’s manager and a leading figure in MMA management, discussed the fighter’s current standing and frustrations. Despite overshadowing some of the division’s other top names such as Islam Makhachev, who recently moved up a weight class, and Kayla Harrison preparing for her major upcoming fight, all eyes now focus on Gaethje and what his next move will be.
Gaethje has consistently impressed UFC officials and fans alike through his risk-taking and aggressive style, accumulating 14 post-fight bonuses, matching his 14 Fight of the Night awards, which underscores his value as an exciting and dependable main event competitor. Yet, both Gaethje and Abdelaziz feel that the UFC brass has yet to reciprocate this loyalty with a deserved title opportunity at 155 pounds.
When UFC President Dana White was asked about the ultimatum that Gaethje might retire following UFC 317 if he does not get a title shot, White dismissed the threat, calling it “whacky” and suggesting Gaethje himself might consider retirement instead. Gaethje has previously expressed willingness to make the lightweight limit but only when a championship fight is on the line, signaling his reluctance to continue competing without a clear path to the belt.
“Nobody can say [expletive] — to Justin Gaethje [and go free]…and I normally don’t go talk about stuff like this publicly… I think he’s the type of guy who will [walk]; He ‘will’ walk away. Justin Gaethje will walk away… The way that this guy fights, you’d have never thought that this dude has this much value and principle. Nothing matches with Justin Gaethje.”
—Ali Abdelaziz on Pound-4-Pound podcast
Gaethje’s Career Highlights and Recent Performance Underline His Value
Gaethje’s credentials underscore his elite status. A former interim BMF champion, “The Highlight” defeated Dustin Poirier, widely considered one of the best lightweight boxers, ended Tony Ferguson’s 12-fight winning streak, and participated in Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement bout. His aggressive style and ability to deliver thrilling fights have earned him almost $1 million in performance bonuses alone.
Most recently, at UFC 313, Gaethje stepped in on short notice when Dan Hooker withdrew from their scheduled fight. Facing Muay Thai specialist Rafael Fiziev in front of nearly 19,000 fans, Gaethje produced another exhilarating performance and secured a $50,000 bonus for Fight of the Night. Despite such efforts, his long-stated goal of a lightweight title shot remains unfulfilled.
Gaethje’s desire to face current top contenders and champions is clear. His team has even gained support from Lukasz Orzel, representing champion Ilia Topuria, suggesting a possible matchup could be arranged. However, UFC’s recent decisions appear to have sidelined Gaethje in favor of projects featuring team rivalries like the ongoing tension between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett.
Peer Perspective Reflects Support for Gaethje’s Ultimatum
The situation has drawn commentary from other prominent fighters and analysts. Kamaru Usman, former UFC welterweight champion and close friend, acknowledged Gaethje’s integrity and the seriousness of his potential retirement. Usman sympathized with Gaethje’s stance despite the uncertainty it brings to fans and the organization alike.
“I agree, he’s one of the most honest and principled guys… And he’s a damn good golfer now, and…[Yeah] I hate to admit that…That [he might retire if not].”
—Kamaru Usman on Pound-4-Pound podcast
The complexity of the lightweight division’s current state contributes to Gaethje’s frustration. Ranked fourth among lightweights, Gaethje finds himself stuck behind multiple contenders, including Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria, both of whom are heavily spotlighted by the UFC for upcoming major fights. While Arman Tsarukyan, ranked #2, is pushing for a title run, Gaethje’s chances to claim gold seem diminishing amid the division’s crowded hierarchy.
Other top-level competitors like Mateusz Gamrot, who has shown strong recent performances, and former featherweight champion Max Holloway, contribute to the tough landscape, leaving the path to a belt shot unclear. All the while, the current champion Topuria is focused on defending his belt against Pimblett, further complicating Gaethje’s position.
The Road Ahead: What Does Gaethje’s Future Hold in UFC?
Justin Gaethje stands at a crossroads in his career. His willingness to retire underlines how critical receiving the next UFC lightweight title shot is to his continued motivation and commitment. Having consistently delivered thrilling fights and carried the division’s excitement, Gaethje’s departure would mark a significant loss for fans and the promotion.
The lightweight division remains in flux, with multiple contenders vying for recognition, and no clear timeline for Gaethje’s title shot. Whether the UFC responds to his ultimatum with a championship opportunity or risks losing one of its most dynamic and respected fighters remains to be seen. For now, Gaethje’s team maintains that his retirement is a real possibility if the promotion fails to act.