Justin Gaethje has again threatened to retire from the UFC. But this time, it is if they try and force him into a fight with rising lightweight star Paddy Pimblett.
In recent months, former interim lightweight champ Justin Gaethje has made it very clear he feels he deserves a title opportunity in his next fight. And the 36-year-old has a fair case. He has one three of his last four, including over ranked stars Rafael Fiziev and Dustin Poirier. And his most recent defeat was a very competitive clash with BMF champ Max Holloway.
Yet, new champ Ilia Topuria seemingly prefers a matchup with brash Englishman Paddy Pimblett. That is unlikely. Instead, matchups with Gaethje, Holloway, or former No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan make the most sense.
In a recent chat with ESPN MMA, Gaethje was still adamant about getting a title fight next. But he also respects the other top contenders and doesn’t seem completely against a matchup with Holloway or Tsarukyan.
Justin Gaethje record: 26-5 (19 knockouts, 2 submissions)
“I think I’m one of three, with Max having a big win. It’s me, Arman or Max I would assume that has to fight him, if he’s going to fight this year,” Gaethje said [h/t MMA Junkie]. “If he’s not going to fight this year then who knows what’s going to happen. But for me, I’ve said my piece, and now I need to train and work out, and all these guys are really good.
“I hope it’s Ilia, I hope it’s November, and I hope it’s in Madison Square Garden. That’s what I’m planning for and trying to speak into existence, but you never know with the UFC.”
Justin Gaethje on Paddy Pimblett fight: ‘Absolutely not’
Many armchair matchmakers believe a scrap between Gaethje and Pimblett to set up the next No. 1 contender makes sense. Topuria and Pimblett probably would be open to the idea. However, “The Highlight” wants nothing to do with it and suggested he doesn’t need to be in the UFC anymore if that is why they are planning.
“Absolutely not (fighting Pimblett),” Gaethje said. “If that’s the route that they want me to take, then I don’t believe that they need me anymore. I know that sounds petty or whatever. But I’m No. 3, I’m 3-1 in my last four, the former champion (Islam Makhachev) was calling to fight me, and he vacated. If their algorithm and their match tell them to just use me until I get beat, then I’m going to have to really reevaluate what I’m doing here.”
“The Baddy” is 7-0 in the Octagon and has scored victories over aging stars Tony Ferguson, King Green, and Michael Chandler in his last three.
