Fans hoping to see Justin Gaethje defend the lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg) later this year may have to wait longer than they imagined, after defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC Casa Branca , held last Sunday (14), in Washington DC (USA), Gaethje indicated that sports fans should not expect to see him in action again anytime soon.
During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on YouTube, the new champion commented on the possibility of a first title defense in the coming months. The American, who achieved the greatest feat of his career by ending the Georgian's undefeated streak and taking the top spot in the division, stated that there is a very small chance of him returning to the octagon this year.
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“I’ve already fought twice this year, and you very rarely see me fight twice in a year. So there’s a very, very small chance I’ll consider fighting again this year,” revealed the lightweight champion.
The statement is noteworthy because the category is going through a period of intense activity. Several athletes are emerging as potential title contenders, fueling expectations that the champion would return to action sometime in 2026. However, everything indicates that Gaethje intends to prioritize physical recovery after another demanding performance.
At 37 years old, the American has built a reputation based on aggressive performances and memorable fights. Wars against Dustin Poirier , clashes against Rafael Fiziev , and title fights against Charles Oliveira and Khabib Nurmagomedov have helped solidify his image as one of the most exciting fighters in the organization's recent history. The victory over Topuria only reinforced this.
Throughout his career, Justin has been involved in fights that demanded enormous physical exertion, a characteristic that has made him one of the most popular athletes in the UFC. Therefore, the possibility of a long period away from the octagon is not surprising to those who follow his career.
What's the next step for the new champion?
Gaethje celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Now, with the title in his possession, Gaethje becomes the man to beat in one of the organization's most competitive divisions. Names like Charles Oliveira , Arman Tsarukyan , and even a rematch against Ilia Topuria appear as possible contenders for the next title fight.
While the UFC has yet to determine who the next challenger will be, the champion is taking the opportunity to celebrate a victory that he considers one of the most complete performances of his career and which, in his own words, turned the decisive rounds into a true "hell" for the former champion.
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