Justin Gaethje Speaks On Next Fight

Newly-crowned UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje (28-5) has all but closed the door on fighting again this year, saying the physical toll of two fights inside the Octagon in 2026 makes a third appearance unlikely.

The 180-day medical suspension he received following UFC Freedom 250 — with clearance pending on both his right wrist and left knee via MRI — effectively makes the decision for him regardless. Speaking after his upset of Ilia Topuria (17-1) at UFC Freedom 250, the new undisputed lightweight champion was candid about where things stand.

“I already fought twice this year and very rarely do you get me twice in one year so there’s a very, very, very small chance that I would ever consider fighting again this year with what I put myself through,” Gaethje said

Gaethje has remained non-committal on retirement despite hinting at it during his post-fight interview on the White House lawn. Topuria has called for an immediate rematch, while Charles Oliveira has offered a winner-takes-all unification with the BMF belt, and Arman Tsarukyan is widely considered the mandatory frontrunner.