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Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently claimed that “The Highlight” is considering stepping away from the sport if he doesn’t get the next lightweight title shot. According to Abdelaziz, Gaethje never hesitated to step up to save a card for the UFC but needs the love to be reciprocated now.
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Gaethje confirmed Abdelaziz’s comments, claiming the promotion came begging to him to fight Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 300 last year. While Gaethje believes the UFC owes him the next shot, he did leave the door open for a big-money fight that earns him a title shot with a win, or at least, sets him up financially if he loses.
UFC CEO White was asked about Gaethje’s comments after Ilia Topuria won the vacant lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on Saturday. White is seemingly not too impressed and believes Gaethje should probably hang up his gloves if the idea has crossed his mind. While White admits to Gaethje stepping up for the promotion, he thinks it’s “wacky” of the former interim lightweight champ to threaten retirement.
UFC Boss: Gaethje’s Demand ‘Pretty Wacky’
“If you’re thinking about retiring, you know how I feel about that, you should probably retire,” White said at the UFC 317 post-fight press conference. “We love Justin Gaethje. Justin Gaethje did step up, and he has been an exciting, fun fighter to have here in the UFC. But to say, ‘Unless you give me a title shot, I’m retiring,’ that’s pretty wacky.”
Dana White responds to Justin Gaethje’s title shot or retirement stance 😲
“If you’re thinking about retirement, then you should probably retire. We love Justin Gaethje, and he did step up. But to say, ‘Unless you give me a title shot, I’m retiring,’ that’s pretty wacky.”… pic.twitter.com/iFQCNnNIAr
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 29, 2025
Meanwhile, Topuria’s first title defense is seemingly lined up already, as he had a face-off with Paddy Pimblett after his win over Oliveira. “El Matador” also turned down the idea of defending his title against Gaethje next.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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