All articles tagged with #justin gaethje
Ilia Topuria’s manager Malki Kawa slammed Ali Abdelaziz’s assertion that Usman Nurmagomedov could easily beat Topuria and the entire UFC roster, declaring that Topuria would annihilate 100% of Abdelaziz’s roster (including Gaethje) and promising a masterclass upon his return after a loss to Gaethje; Topuria is recovering from facial injuries after that title fight and is expected to return soon.
Gaethje’s manager Ali Abdelaziz suggested the biggest possible payday for Gaethje could come from a superfight with Islam Makhachev, even proposing he might vacate the lightweight title for the bout. Gaethje, who recently claimed undisputed lightweight champion status after defeating Ilia Topuria in June, will let his coaching staff guide his next move, weighing options like other top contenders but targeting the most lucrative fight rather than necessarily chasing another title bout.
Gaethje’s win over Topuria earned him UFC lightweight champion status, but Matt Brown says he shouldn’t retire now because his value is at an all-time high and a run of title defenses against top contenders could maximize paydays and cement a lasting legacy.
After UFC 329, Michael Bisping argues Paddy Pimblett has become a bigger threat to Ilia Topuria, fueling talk of a high-profile grudge match between the two; Pimblett’s recent win and Topuria’s Gaethje-induced setback frame the looming clash as a potential UFC blockbuster.
UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje said he isn’t interested in a quick rematch with Paddy Pimblett after beating him for the interim title, even as Pimblett remains in title contention following a recent win. Gaethje indicated he won’t fight again until 2027, and while he respects Pimblett, a rematch isn’t on the near-term horizon.
Conor McGregor dismissed Justin Gaethje's claim that he wants to punch him in the face with a sharp quip at UFC 329 media day, noting Gaethje's belt status while the two rivals heat up the build to the event; the banter comes as Holloway is part of McGregor's orbit and both men brace for their next appearances.
Paddy Pimblett says his UFC 329 fight is set with Benoit Saint Denis and a Topuria showdown isn’t expected before 2026, citing Topuria’s injuries from the Gaethje title fight and his likely absence this year; Pimblett aims to fight again by year’s end but notes beating BSD won’t automatically earn a Gaethje rematch, and he points out that Topuria is a featherweight who would likely move down if they ever met.
Jones says the UFC White House event elevated MMA’s prestige even though he wasn’t on the card, and he’s grateful for the moment as he reflected on staying grounded with a strong team, the sport’s rising status, and his own place in its history; the night featured Gaethje’s KO to unify the interim and undisputed lightweight titles and Topuria’s setback with an uncertain return timeline.
No. 12 UFC Lightweight Rafael Fiziev rebounded with a second‑round KO of Manuel Torres in UFC Baku, saying Justin Gaethje’s historic win inspired him to believe in himself again and his power.
Charles Oliveira says he’s next in line for a rematch with Justin Gaethje to unify the BMF belt with the UFC lightweight title, claiming he’s waiting for a phone call after Gaethje’s latest title win; Oliveira notes the history between them (including Oliveira’s 2022 submission win) and suggests the bout could crown a true double-champion, though the title picture could shift depending on other contenders.
Charles Oliveira says he should be next to challenge Justin Gaethje for the undisputed lightweight title and wants to unify Gaethje’s belt with his BMF title, addressing the 2022 weigh‑in controversy. He’s awaiting UFC contact to schedule the bout, willing to fight anywhere (even Brazil) and even wait for a 2027 unification if that’s how it plays out.
Top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan blasted Justin Gaethje after Gaethje declined a new truck Tsarukyan vowed to buy as a thank-you for Gaethje’s upset-bet win over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House. Gaethje said there was no handshake and he didn’t owe the truck, prompting Tsarukyan to vent that Gaethje is an “asshole” and to vow he’ll “f—k him up” in the fight, hinting at beef ahead of a potential title bout.
Gaethje rejects Arman Tsarukyan's friend’s offer of buying him a truck after his upset win, saying he won’t take the gift. Tsarukyan responds angrily on streams, vowing to make Gaethje pay and signaling a potential future fight, with the possibility of a title shot on the horizon.
At UFC’s White House card, seven knockouts triggered a wave of medical suspensions. In the main event, Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria each received 180‑day suspensions (Topuria must be cleared by an oral/maxillofacial surgeon; Gaethje may need clearance for a right wrist injury and a left knee MRI). In the co‑main, Alex Pereira also drew a 180‑day suspension (needs maxillofacial CT clearance) plus a 45‑day mandatory period. The night produced a mix of 8‑day rests (Ciryl Gane, Sean O’Malley, and others), 30–60 day suspensions, and KO‑related holds for several fighters, with the complete regulator’s list detailing each fighter’s clearance requirements and durations.
Justin Gaethje says there’s a very small chance he fights again this year after two grueling bouts, including his undisputed lightweight title win over Ilia Topuria. With potential rematches against Topuria or a fight with Charles Oliveira in play, his comeback is uncertain, and he’s under a 180-day medical suspension pending MRI clearance for a right wrist and left knee, making another 2026 appearance unlikely.