Justin Gaethje Provides Return Update

It looks as though Justin Gaethje will not make the first defense of his newly won UFC lightweight championship until 2027.

The 37-year-old won the belt at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, with a stoppage win after Ilia Topuria quit on the stool ahead of the fifth and final round. Following the fight, Gaethje received a 180 medical suspension, and said that it was unlikely he would compete again this year.

Now Justin has confirmed that we won’t see him back in the Octagon until 2027,  as he recovers from injuries suffered to his hands in his win over Topuria – Gaethje threw 228 strikes in the fight and landed 119, with 79 connecting to Topuria’s head. More than six weeks after the fight, Gaethje said he “still can’t punch anything.”

“Both of my hands are still hurt from the fight so I’m just going to enjoy being the champion for the rest of the year because I fought two times already in the first six months.”

Gaethje said he’ll talk to his family and loved ones before making a decision on his return, however when he does come back it likely won’t be a rematch against Topuria, as he’s indicated he wants to face someone he’s never fought before. Plus both Arman Tsaurykan and Mauricio Ruffy have stated that the UFC promised the winner of their September 19 fight the first title shot against Gaethje.