Justin Gaethje News

Justin Gaethje UFC walkout
UFC

Justin Gaethje is serious about MMA retirement threat, says manager

Harry Kettle - November 3, 2025

Ali Abdelaziz has said that Justin Gaethje is serious about retiring from mixed martial arts if he doesn’t get a UFC title shot. Justin Gaethje has made it crystal clear that he wants to compete for the UFC lightweight championship one more time. He’s already challenged for the undisputed gold on two separate occasions, falling short at the hands of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. This time around, however, he’s ready to put something else on the line – his entire mixed martial arts career.

Dan Hooker
Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker explains why he preferred Arman Tsarukyan fight over Justin Gaethje

Cole Shelton - October 30, 2025

Dan Hooker is glad he’s now fighting Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Qatar. Hooker was supposed to fight Justin Gaethje back in March, but an injury knocked him out of the fight. He will now take on Tsarukyan on Nov. 22 in the main event of UFC Qatar in a pivotal fight at lightweight.

Justin Gaethje speaks at the UFC 313 post-fight press conference, opposite Paddy Pimblett in the Octagon at UFC 314
Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje responds to Paddy Pimblett's recent Ilia Topuria callouts as he makes his case for White House title shot

Curtis Calhoun - October 24, 2025

UFC star Justin Gaethje shared a pointed message in response to Paddy Pimblett’s recent claims surrounding an offer on the table to fight Ilia Topuria. Justin Gaethje remains insistent that he’s the most deserving challenger for UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria’s first title defense in 2026. Gaethje, who hasn’t fought since a win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, has repeatedly drawn a line in the sand surrounding his Octagon return.

Justin Gaethje
Khabib Nurmagomedov

Justin Gaethje gets honest about UFC 254 defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov

Harry Kettle - October 21, 2025

Justin Gaethje has opened up on his submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC 254. Right now, Justin Gaethje is waiting his opportunity to compete for the UFC lightweight championship once again. While it certainly seems like he’s the next man in line to face Ilia Topuria, it’s certainly not guaranteed – which is probably why we haven’t heard an official announcement from the UFC just yet.

Justin Gaethje UFC walkout
Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje earned title shot against Ilia Topuria, says veteran UFC personality

Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 21, 2025

A longtime member of the UFC roster believes Justin Gaethje has earned the right to challenge Ilia Topuria. Topuria is the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion. Fight fans have been waiting to see who will be “El Matador’s” first contender at 155 pounds after he starched Charles Oliveira in their late June clash.

Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria
Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria may opt to wrestle Justin Gaethje, says Ali Abdelaziz

Harry Kettle - September 2, 2025

Ali Abdelaziz believes that Ilia Topuria may decide to wrestle Justin Gaethje if they were to fight one another. Right now, Ilia Topuria is the biggest star in the world of mixed martial arts – and that doesn’t feel like a very controversial thing to say. He has done some incredible things throughout the course of his time in the sport and as we look ahead to the future, it certainly feels like he’s on his way to becoming something special.

Arman Tsarukyan UFC press conference
Justin Gaethje

Arman Tsarukyan dismisses Justin Gaethje's UFC title demand

Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 31, 2025

Arman Tsarukyan does not believe Justin Gaethje has earned another UFC title fight. Gaethje has been adamant about receiving the next crack at the UFC Lightweight Championship. He’s even threatened retirement if he isn’t next in line for a shot at the 155-pound gold. UFC CEO Dana White has said that while he respects Gaethje, he doesn’t appreciate the demands.

Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria
Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje 'gets mopped' by Ilia Topuria, says former UFC fan favorite

Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 28, 2025

One ex-UFC veteran isn’t sold on Justin Gaethje’s chances in a potential clash with Ilia Topuria. Gaethje has been adamant about receiving the next crack at lightweight gold. UFC CEO Dana White isn’t exactly thrilled that “The Highlight” is threatening to retire if he doesn’t receive the next title shot at 155 pounds. The UFC also isn’t short on potential challengers for “El Matador” with the likes of Arman Tsarukyan, Max Holloway, and Paddy Pimblett waiting in the wings.

Justin Gaethje
Paddy Pimblett

Justin Gaethje won't be happy with fighting Paddy Pimblett instead of Ilia Topuria

Harry Kettle - July 23, 2025

UFC star Justin Gaethje has admitted he wouldn’t be happy if he were given Paddy Pimblett instead of a UFC lightweight title shot. As we know, Justin Gaethje isn’t particularly happy right now. In the wake of his recent win over Rafael Fiziev, ‘The Highlight’ has made it crystal clear that he wants to be given a UFC lightweight championship opportunity. Unfortunately, he appears to be at something of a stalemate with the promotion.

Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje hopeful for Ilia Topuria fight at MSG: "I would love to knock him out"

Cole Shelton - July 7, 2025

Justin Gaethje is hoping he will face Ilia Topuria at Madison Square Garden later this year. Topuria became the UFC’s lightweight champion with a first-round KO win over Charles Oliveira. After his win, it wasn’t clear who Topuria’s first title defense would be against, as Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and Paddy Pimblett could all get the next title shot.

Ilia Topuria, UFC, MMA
Justin Gaethje

Ilia Topuria gives his thoughts on possible UFC title fight against Justin Gaethje

Harry Kettle - July 1, 2025

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has given his thoughts on a potential title fight against Justin Gaethje. Last weekend, Ilia Topuria cemented his position as the #1 pound for pound fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He was able to defeat Charles Oliveira to capture the lightweight title, joining a small group of people who have been able to win belts in two different divisions.

Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje, UFC 324, UFC
Paddy Pimblett

UFC champ stuns fans by announcing Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje fight

BJ Penn Staff - June 30, 2025

Dricus Du Plessis just dropped some absolutely huge UFC news. Apparently, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje are set to fight before the summer is over. Du Plessis, the UFC middleweight champion, is set to defend his title against undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, which goes on August 16 in Chicago. He claims that top lightweight contenders Pimblett and Gaethje are set to meet in the card’s co-main event.

Justin Gaethje
UFC

Justin Gaethje explains frustration with UFC: 'They came to my house begging me'

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 13, 2025

Justin Gaethje has detailed his issues with the UFC brass. Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently turned some heads during his appearance on Submission Radio. The top MMA manager revealed that Gaethje is considering hanging up his gloves if he doesn’t get a UFC lightweight title shot in his next outing. As it stands, Gaethje is upset that he isn’t involved in the vacant title fight scheduled for UFC 317, which will see Ilia Topuria take on Charles Oliveira.

Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje considering retirement if UFC doesn't meet his demand

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 9, 2025

Justin Gaethje might walk away from pro MMA competition if the UFC doesn’t grant his request. Gaethje finds himself on the outside looking in as far as the next UFC lightweight title fight is concerned. Ilia Topuria relinquished the UFC Featherweight Championship, and he will receive a shot at the vacant 155-pound gold against Charles Oliveira on June 28. Despite the fact that Oliveira has a submission win over Gaethje, “The Highlight” feels slighted.

Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje should be fighting Ilia Topuria for UFC gold instead of Charles Oliveira, says top MMA coach

Fernando Quiles Jr. - May 23, 2025

One renowned MMA coach believes the UFC missed out on a more exciting vacant lightweight title fight. Islam Makhachev will no longer be the UFC Lightweight Champion once the UFC 317 main event between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira begins. Many fans and experts are looking forward to seeing Topuria and Oliveira share the Octagon. Still, there are some who feel a better option than “do Bronx” was on the table.

Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje is furious about not fighting for title at UFC 317, claims popular MMA personality

Fernando Quiles Jr. - May 20, 2025

It appears Justin Gaethje is none too pleased about not getting a lightweight title shot at UFC 317. The two men fighting for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship on June 28 will be Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira. “El Matador’s” title opportunity was a given since he vacated the 145-pound gold. The other spot belongs to “do Bronx,” who has a submission finish over Gaethje.

Ilia Topuria, Paddy Pimblett
Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria believes Paddy Pimblett would defeat Justin Gaethje and Conor McGregor

Harry Kettle - April 18, 2025

UFC star Ilia Topuria is of the belief that his rival Paddy Pimblett would be able to defeat both Justin Gaethje and Conor McGregor. As we know, Paddy Pimblett is now considered to be a top contender in the UFC’s lightweight division. He has been able to take his game to a whole new level, largely thanks to his victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314. Now, there are a handful of big names being linked with a fight against ‘The Baddy’, and all of them would make for pretty intriguing matchups in the future.

Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje
Michael Chandler

Justin Gaethje wants to see Michael Chandler defeat Paddy Pimblett

Harry Kettle - April 12, 2025

Justin Gaethje has said that he hopes to see former foe Michael Chandler get the win against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314. Tonight, Michael Chandler faces a huge test when he locks horns with Paddy Pimblett. While it may be the hardest test of Paddy’s career too, the former Bellator champion knows that it’s now or never. If he is serious about making one more run to win the title at 155 pounds, he needs to make the most of this opportunity.