WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 15: Justin Gaethje participates in a press conference with other fight winners and Dana White following UFC Freedom 250 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC on June 15, 2026. (Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Anadolu via Getty Images
If you wanted to walk away from the UFC, Justin Gaethje just secured the perfect victory to walk off into the sunset. Only Gaethje isn't planning on walking away. The new UFC lightweight champion who scored an insane fourth-round TKO victory over Ilia Topuria at the White House in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 says he's looking to fight again.
Gaethje was a guest on Joe Rogan's podcast and he talked about his future. Let's talk MMA.
Gaethje will be around and likely defending his 155-pound title for a little longer. Gaethje will likely never be able to top the win he had over Topuria, but he still clearly believes he has more to offer and gain. Gaethje said he'd talk with his mother about potentially retiring, but it appears the decision has been made.
On Rogan's podcast, Gaethje said, "Right now, I'm planning on it," when asked about a return, adding that nothing in him feels like it's over. He had promised his mother he wouldn't make a retirement call on fight night, honoring a slower decision. His Freedom 250 win looked like a perfect exit, but he isn't taking it.
Gaethje is playing mind games and his point doesn't really make much sense. Truthfully, Topuria nearly had him finished in the second round. The fight was stopped between rounds, but fighters shouldn't be shamed or penalized for knowing when to bow out.
Gaethje was blunt, saying "He doesn't get a rematch" and arguing the former champ quit on the stool while he stopped him twice. He even suggested Topuria should face another contender first. Topuria left the fight with an orbital fracture and temporary vision loss in both eyes and has already vowed to get the rematch once he heals.
If everything goes as he'd like and the UFC would love, Conor McGregor will defeat Max Holloway on July 11 and the Notorious One will take on Gaethje in one of the great fights we haven't seen. Even if Holloway wins, there would seemingly be a solid setup for a rematch after their epic UFC 300 meeting.
Gaethje said he has no name in mind, even brushing off Arman Tsarukyan, the obvious top contender, while admitting Tsarukyan is the guy who's up. Former champion Charles Oliveira, who beat Gaethje in 2022, has also called him out. The winner of the McGregor-Holloway rematch could jump the line too.
I'd expect to see Gaethje back in the first quarter of 2027. It should align with anyone who qualifies to challenge the new lightweight champion.
Gaethje has all but ruled out fighting in 2026 after competing twice this year and absorbing heavy damage. He's also serving a medical suspension tied to his wrist and knee, and has told the UFC he doesn't want to return until at least March. That points to an early-2027 title defense, leaving the belt idle for months.
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