Justin Gaethje Names His Targets

As he prepares to face Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24, Justin Gaethje has admitted that he is “operating on borrowed time” as he named his ideal fights.

Gaethje has identified a specific “hit list” of opponents he wants to beat before retirement. His primary target is lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, but he is also focused on reclaiming the BMF belt. Gaethje lost that belt to Max Holloway at UFC 300 in a last-second knockout, and he has expressed a desire for revenge. He will be watching closely as Holloway defends that title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 in March, hoping to face the winner—ideally Holloway—at the UFC White House event this summer.

Gaethje Reacts

The stakes for the UFC 324 main event at the T-Mobile Arena couldn’t be higher. Gaethje’s coach, Trevor Wittman, has labeled this upcoming title run as “our last run,” confirming that a loss to “Baddy” would likely signal the end of Gaethje’s career. For the 37-year-old Justin, the goal is simple: capture the interim belt, avenge his loss to Holloway, and eventually unify the titles against Topuria before walking away on his own terms. However, Pimblett has given him an ominous warning.

“Once I get this belt, I’m not going to stop. I’m going to beat Paddy, I’m going to beat Ilia [Topuria], and then I gotta get Max [Holloway] back — I have to. I need him to beat Charles [Oliveira]. Well, actually it doesn’t matter because they both beat me, so I want either one of them. Those are the only two guys I have the opportunity to get back right now. That’s what I’m shooting for. This isn’t the beginning. I’m 37 years old. I’d be a fool to think we’re just getting started here. The end is near,” Justin said 

“It’s the same as Chandler, he doesn’t get past the third (round). I don’t see him getting out of the third round but I can see myself finishing him before that. To be honest, I keep having mad, crazy visions of knocking him out on the feet but wherever the fight goes, TKO or submission by round three,” Pimblett stated