Veteran UFC lightweight Justin Gaethje is reportedly contemplating retirement if he does not receive the next opportunity to compete for the divisional championship.
According to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, this stance comes after Gaethje secured a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev in March at UFC 313. Despite stepping up for a short-notice replacement fight, earning praise for being a “good company soldier,” Gaethje was subsequently bypassed for the vacant lightweight title bout. The championship became available after Islam Makhachev relinquished the belt. Instead of Gaethje, Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria are now scheduled to fight for the vacant title at UFC 317, leaving Gaethje feeling overlooked and disappointed.
“Justin Gaethje fights the winner,” Abdelaziz stated, relaying Gaethje`s position. “He’s won three of his last four, he saved the UFC two times. They needed him, and he’s there. The guy did so much for the sport. If anyone said he doesn’t deserve it—he said, ‘If I’m not going to fight for the title, I’m just going to hang up my gloves.’”
Known as one of MMA`s most exciting fighters, Gaethje has consistently delivered thrilling performances since joining the UFC in 2017. Across 14 fights with the promotion, he has earned 14 post-fight bonuses and participated in four `Fight of the Year` contests, including his recent clash with Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 300. However, despite his exciting career and contributions, the loss to Holloway appears to have momentarily sidelined him from immediate title contention for UFC 317.
Abdelaziz further elaborated on Gaethje`s feelings: “He’s a very principled guy… He feels strongly about this. He told me this yesterday… he said, ‘I’m not going to get a title shot. I feel disrespected. I love being a UFC fighter, I love the UFC, but I feel the UFC has to love me back.’ And he doesn’t feel the love right now.”
While Gaethje expresses frustration, Abdelaziz remains hopeful about the future. “But listen, at the end of the day, I think, this guy, they love him. I think they will give him what he wanted,” he commented. However, he acknowledged the immediate focus is on the upcoming title fight, adding, “But at the end of the day, we have to see what happens first between Charles and Ilia.” The Oliveira vs. Topuria title fight is scheduled to take place at UFC 317 on June 28 in Las Vegas.
