Third-ranked UFC lightweight contender Justin Gaethje, age 36, may have fought for the final time in his career. With a professional record of 26 wins and 5 losses, Gaethje's future is uncertain following his latest fight. Former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, boasting an undefeated record of 16-0, will compete against former lightweight titleholder Charles Oliveira, who has 35 victories, 10 defeats, and 1 no contest. This highly anticipated battle for the vacant UFC lightweight title will take place at UFC 317 on June 28, during the UFC's annual International Fight Week. The title became vacant when Islam Makhachev, with a record of 27-1, decided to move up to the welterweight division, aiming to achieve the status of a two-division champion.
According to Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, Gaethje plans to retire from the sport if he is not granted the opportunity to fight the winner of the UFC 317 bout. Abdelaziz shared concerns regarding Gaethje's future in an interview with Submission Radio, stating, "Justin Gaethje fights the UFC 317 winner. He's won three of his last four fights. He saved the UFC two times. They needed him, and he was there." He highlighted Gaethje's commitment and contributions to the sport, emphasizing that those who claim he does not deserve a title fight are mistaken. "He said, 'If I'm not going to fight for the title then I'll just hang up my gloves,'" Abdelaziz revealed.
Abdelaziz further reflected on Gaethje's feelings of being disrespected regarding the UFC's treatment of him. He mentioned, "He's a very principled guy. He told me yesterday, 'If 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 like the UFC has to love me back.' He doesn't feel the love right now."
Despite these concerns, Abdelaziz remains optimistic about Gaethje’s situation. He believes the UFC appreciates Gaethje’s value to the promotion and will ensure he gets what he desires. "At the end of the day, I think they love him. I think they will give him what he wanted," Abdelaziz said. "But at the end of the day, we have to see what happens first between Charles and Ilia."
Gaethje last entered the octagon in March, where he achieved a unanimous decision victory over Rafael Fiziev in a rematch at UFC 313. As the clock ticks on Gaethje's chances of becoming an undisputed UFC champion, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether he gets the title shot he desires. The outcome of the UFC 317 main event between Oliveira and Topuria could determine not only the future of the lightweight championship but also Justin Gaethje's career trajectory.
