UFC star Justin Gaethje is reportedly contemplating retirement from mixed martial arts if he is not granted the next opportunity to fight for the lightweight championship. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, revealed this potential stance during an interview with Submission Radio.
Gaethje is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 in March. He stepped in on short notice for that fight after Dan Hooker pulled out due to injury, a move Abdelaziz suggested was done as a favor to the promotion.
Despite this recent win and his history of stepping up for the UFC, Gaethje felt overlooked when the lightweight title became vacant following Islam Makhachev`s departure from the division. The upcoming fight for the vacant belt at UFC 317 will feature Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria instead, a decision that has reportedly left Gaethje feeling unfairly treated.
According to Abdelaziz, Gaethje believes he should be the one to challenge the winner of the Oliveira vs. Topuria bout. Abdelaziz quoted Gaethje directly, stating, “If I`m not going to fight for the title, I`m just going to hang up my gloves.” Abdelaziz elaborated on Gaethje`s resume, saying, “He`s 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.”
Known widely for his thrilling fighting style, Gaethje is a fan favorite and has earned numerous post-fight bonuses throughout his career, participating in multiple “Fight of the Year” contests. However, his recent loss to Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 300 appears to have impacted his immediate title prospects, leaving him on the sidelines for UFC 317.
Abdelaziz described Gaethje as a “very principled guy” who feels “disrespected” by the current situation. Gaethje reportedly feels he deserves reciprocal support from the UFC, stating, “I love being a UFC fighter, I love the UFC, but I feel the UFC has to love me back.”
Despite Gaethje`s strong feelings, Abdelaziz remains hopeful that the UFC does appreciate Gaethje and will eventually grant him the title opportunity he seeks after the dust settles at UFC 317.
The vacant lightweight title fight between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 is scheduled for June 28 in Las Vegas.
