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What’s Next For Justin Gaethje?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 9:39 AM ET

Justin Gaethje is considering retirement if the UFC doesn’t grant him a lightweight title shot next as we look at his options.

Gaethje is searching for his next opponent after beating Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 in his last fight. It was the perfect response following his defeat to Max Holloway at UFC 300. The lightweight belt will become vacant at UFC 317 once Ilia Topuria faces Charles Oliveira for it after Islam Makhachev’s decision to move up to welterweight. While Oliveira has beaten Gaethje, Justin feels he is worthy of a title shot. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, revealed his fighter is extremely frustrated as he is considering his future.

Gaethje’s Future

“Justin Gaethje fights the winner. He 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, and if anyone says 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.

“I was with him at the fight. 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 like the UFC has to love me back.’ He doesn’t feel the love right now, but you know, at the end of the day, I think this guy they love him. I think they’ll give him what he wanted,” Abdelaziz said

Options

If Justin does not get the winner of Topuria vs Oliveira, there are still some big fights out there for him. He could target the winner of Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier. Holloway knocked out Gaethje at UFC 300 in the final second to win his BMF Belt. While Holloway would lose his next fight to Topuria, the BMF belt was not on the line. Poirier is expected to retire after the Holloway fight, meaning a Max win could set up the rematch with Justin.

Alternatively, there are other leading contenders in the division. Arman Tsarukyan is number one in the lightweight rankings. He was on course to face Islam for the lightweight belt before he pulled out due to injury. Arman does not have a fight lined up, meaning Justin could prove a credible opponent.

Equally, there is an outside shot of a fight with Paddy Pimblett. The latter is ranked number eight in the UFC rankings, having secured the two best wins of his career. Victories over Bobby Green and Michael Chandler have made Pimblett a rising star in the division. It is also a fight that could easily sell out in the UK and US, giving Justin plenty of options moving forward.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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