Justin Gaethje`s position in the UFC lightweight title race is currently uncertain. The vacant 155-pound championship will be contested at UFC 317 on June 28, but Gaethje is notably absent from the lineup. Instead, undefeated Ilia Topuria will face former champion Charles Oliveira for the belt recently vacated by Islam Makhachev. Topuria relinquished his featherweight title to pursue a second division, while Makhachev is reportedly moving to welterweight to fight Jack Della Maddalena.
According to UFC broadcaster Jon Anik, who recently spoke with Gaethje, “The Highlight” expressed significant displeasure upon hearing the UFC 317 main event announcement. Speaking on The Anik & Florian Podcast, Anik stated, “He was pissed.” Gaethje feels he was specifically passed over in favor of Charles Oliveira for this title opportunity against Ilia Topuria. Anik believes Gaethje and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, are seeking assurance that Gaethje will be next in line for a shot at the winner.
Given the proximity of the June 28 fight date, Anik considers this a reasonable request, especially considering Gaethje`s recent actions, such as defeating Rafael Fiziev after the high-profile UFC 300 event where he lost to Max Holloway. Anik highlighted that Gaethje`s participation at UFC 300 was partly to support the promotion, potentially foregoing an immediate undisputed title challenge at that time. Anik concluded, “I can just tell you Justin was not thrilled.”
Gaethje, a former interim champion, boasts a record of three wins in his last four fights. His most recent appearance saw him secure a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev in a rematch at UFC 313, successfully rebounding from a knockout loss to Max Holloway at the landmark UFC 300 event. Prior to the Holloway defeat, Gaethje delivered a spectacular head-kick knockout win against fellow lightweight contender Dustin Poirier.
Conversely, Charles Oliveira`s recent activity includes a victory over Michael Chandler. “Do Bronx” had opportunities for another title shot, but an injury sidelined him from a scheduled rematch with Makhachev. Subsequently, he suffered a close split-decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 289. Oliveira previously defeated Gaethje via first-round submission when they met at UFC 274.
Kenny Florian, Anik`s co-host, expressed hope that Gaethje will eventually face Topuria. Florian commented, “I’m sure Gaethje’s upset, but I think that a fight between him and Topuria would be extremely interesting.” He noted Oliveira`s ground game as a key factor, suggesting Oliveira likely wouldn`t stand and trade blows with Gaethje for long. In contrast, Florian predicted a Topuria vs. Gaethje matchup would be “guaranteed fireworks” with both fighters willing to “stand and bang.” He added, “That is going to deliver for sure and I think we’ll see that at some point.”
The immediate question for Gaethje is whether he can afford to wait for the outcome of the UFC 317 main event or if he must risk his standing as a top contender by taking another fight to remain active. Rising lightweight star Paddy Pimblett has publicly stated his desire to face Gaethje next, prompting Anik to ponder the wisdom of such a move for “The Highlight.”
Anik compared Gaethje and Oliveira`s respective claims based on merit. “Straight meritocracy, Charles Oliveira has the higher ranking than Justin Gaethje,” Anik noted. He added that Oliveira is a former champion, and based on recent wins (like Oliveira`s over Chandler), both fighters have a plausible, though not “ironclad,” case for the title shot. Both also present “compelling matchups” for Ilia Topuria. Anik also commented on Islam Makhachev`s move, suggesting it seems to “putting out the vacancy sign with finality.”
Turning back to Gaethje`s next step, Anik acknowledged the promotion`s interest in a Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett fight. However, he questioned the strategic value for Gaethje, who is on the verge of competing for the championship that has eluded him. Anik asked, “what is your number, if you’re Justin Gaethje, to fight down in the rankings?” He argued that a win over someone like Pimblett doesn`t advance Gaethje towards his ultimate goal and risks further delays or injury. Despite Paddy`s interest, Anik concluded he isn`t convinced Gaethje will agree to that fight, stating, “I just am not sure that Justin’s going to be signing on the dotted line for that one.”
