Justin Gaethje gets testy with reporter at UFC 324 media day amid staph rumor

Justin Gaethje had an awkward moment with one reporter just ahead of UFC 324.

As Gaethje braces for an interim lightweight title fight against Paddy Pimblett on Saturday, questions have been looming about a potential staph infection. “The Highlight” has received a slew of questions about a blemish on his neck, and it seems he’s just about had enough of the chatter.

A reporter from AG Fight wanted to ask about Gaethje’s neck during a media day interview.

https://twitter.com/ChampRDS/status/2014772719775007087

“First thing, what happened here? Is it something your neck?”

It appeared Gaethje felt the reporter’s tone was off, and he fired back.

“You ever heard of HIPPA? What’s wrong with you?”

The reporter initially didn’t understand what Gaethje as referring to.

“HIPPA? I don’t know,” the reporter said

Gaethje then painted a more obvious picture for the reporter about HIPPA laws.

“Yeah, don’t ask me about my body,” Gaethje said. “I don’t ask you about yours.”

The interview got back on track once the reporter told Gaethje he didn’t ask the question to bother one half of the UFC 324 headliner.

“Okay, I’m just checking if everything is okay,” the reporter responded.

Gaethje then shifted his focus back to UFC 324.

“Everything is great,” Gaethje said. “I feel amazing. Ready to go, ready to [expletive] Paddy up.”

Whether or not the mark on Gaethje’s neck is anything that will hinder “The Highlight’s” performance remains to be seen. Gaethje is in a big spot, as he’ll be headlining UFC’s debut event on Paramount+. Gaethje has been in interim title fights before, and he’s even captured interim gold in the past.

Gaethje has never won undisputed UFC gold, but he’ll be one step closer if he can defeat “The Baddy” in Las Vegas. BJPenn.com will be providing live coverage of UFC 324 on Saturday. Keep it locked on our homepage for live results.