Daniel Cormier recently commented on Justin Gaethje’s statement threatening retirement if he is not granted a title shot against Ilia Topuria soon. Speaking in the context of UFC matchmaking, Cormier expressed doubts about the promotion altering their plans in response to Gaethje’s demands, noting the presence of fighters like Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett in the title contention picture. He raised concerns over whether Gaethje’s threat would significantly affect UFC’s decision-making.
Gaethje had recently dismissed the possibility of facing Paddy Pimblett next, firmly insisting that he only wants a championship fight. The former BMF champion warned that if forced to fight Pimblett, he might retire, also criticizing how the UFC manages its matchmaking.
In a recent video posted on YouTube, Daniel Cormier reflected on this situation and drew parallels to Dustin Poirier’s recent retirement. He stated,
“It sounds like he’s more than willing now to stand by that and be done. That would suck because MMA is better when Justin Gaethje is fighting. We just had to watch Dustin Poirier retire last weekend, and that absolutely sucked. So, what’s going to happen this time? We have to walk away from Justin Gaethje, too?”
Cormier added his perspective on the UFC’s potential response to Gaethje’s stance by saying,
“Justin seems very, very stern in the idea that if he has to fight Paddy Pimblett, and that’s the only option, he’s not going to do it. That sucks because I don’t know that it’s going to make the UFC say, ‘We have to give Justin Gaethje a title fight.’ I don’t know that they’re going to do that, especially when you go through all the things that Arman has a case, Paddy has a case.”
Justin Gaethje Shares Vision for Final UFC Career Chapter
Justin Gaethje recently outlined what he envisions as the ideal end to his UFC career. He expressed a desire to capture two championship belts before retiring in a memorable setting on the White House lawn during the next Fourth of July celebration. Gaethje revealed these plans in an interview with ESPN MMA, emphasizing his wish to headline fights against Ilia Topuria followed by Max Holloway as his last two matches.
<pReflecting on his goals, Gaethje described the perfect scenario:
“The best case scenario, the best chapter of my book. If it happens, I will believe this is a simulation – I beat Topuria this year, defend it against Holloway on the White House lawn, and retire with the BMF and the championship belt. There’s no better way for me to write it, but I’m a little biased.”
Implications for UFC’s Lightweight Division Moving Forward
Justin Gaethje’s retirement threats add tension to the UFC lightweight division, especially following the recent departure of Dustin Poirier. Gaethje’s firm stance on seeking only a title fight complicates matchmaking decisions, as contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett maintain strong claims for championship opportunities. Daniel Cormier’s reaction highlights the anxiety among fans and insiders about losing another top fighter from the sport.
The UFC now faces pressure to balance fighter demands and competitive merit, while considering how to maintain the lightweight division’s excitement and legitimacy. Gaethje’s stated hopes for a grand finale raise stakes for upcoming matchups and promotional events, suggesting that the organization’s next moves will be closely watched by the MMA community.