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Justin Gaethje appears to have set a big ultimatum for the UFC should they not grant him the next shot at the lightweight title.
Justin Gaethje Bounced Back In Big Way This Past March
Returning to competition for the first time in nearly a year this past March at UFC 313, Justin Gaethje took on old foe Rafael Fiziev in the co-main event. Originally slated to duke it out with fellow fan-favorite striker Dan Hooker, however, the New Zealander was axed from the card following an injury to his hand. Taking the bout on less than a month’s notice, Fiziev filled in to rematch “The Highlight” after falling to him in 2023 at UFC 286.
In their first confirmation, both men put on a spectacular contest, earning Fight of the Night honors, and two years later, their runback earned them similar praise and awards. While the Azerbaijani pulled away in significant strikes in the first round, peppering the American with stiff shots, it was Justin Gaethje who rallied over the next ten minutes to secure the unanimous decision victory. In his post-fight interview, the Elevation Fight Team representative lauded Fiziev for agreeing to face him on such short notice. He also firmly staked his claim to being the next man in line for a championship opportunity.
Justin Gaethje Declares He’ll Retire Without Lightweight Title Fight
Ever since his triumph in March, Justin Gaethje has remained adamant that it is either a shot at the belt or bust. In fact, according to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, if he doesn’t get his wish, then may just walk away from the sport. Speaking with Submission Radio, Abdelaziz relayed his fighter’s words in what could be the most pivotal moment in Gaethje’s promotional career.
“Justin Gaethje fights the winner (of Topuria and Oliveira at UFC 317),” Abdelaziz began. “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. If anyone said 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.’”
“He’s a very principled guy,” he continued. “I never—he feels strongly about this. He told me this yesterday. I was 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 the UFC has to love me back.’ And he doesn’t feel the love right now. But listen, at the end of the day, I think, this guy, they love him. I think they will give him what he wanted. But at the end of the day, we have to see what happens first between Charles and Ilia.”
Potential Championship Fight Nothing New for Justin Gaethje
Over the course of his UFC tenure, Justin Gaethje has vied for the undisputed title on two separate occasions, losing both times to divisional legends in Khabib Nurmagomedov and the aforementioned Oliveira. He did, however, secure the interim strap after battering Tony Ferguson in 2020, and also the popular BMF title by knocking out Dustin Poirier in 2023.
