Justin Gaethje explains his plans for 2027

Justin Gaethje has revealed why he likely won’t defend his UFC lightweight title until 2027.

The relatively new UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has explained why we won’t see him defend his title until 2027.

He won the interim lightweight title earlier this year at UFC 324 after defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision. He then faced Ilia Topuria at the UFC Freedom 250 event, where he pulled off a very unexpected victory that made massive headlines. He went into that fight as a huge underdog but ultimately came out on top. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, however, Justin Gaethje revealed the aftermath of the fight and that he’s still dealing with some of the consequences.

“I still can’t punch anything. Both of my hands are still hurt from the fight. So I’m just gonna enjoy being the champion for the rest of the year because I fought two times already in the first six months”

he said.

He also said that he’ll talk to his team and family first, and that he’ll have to see if he’ll keep the title at all, or if he’ll give it up and retire. But he’d have plenty of options for fighting. Among others, Ilia Topuria has demanded an immediate rematch, but Justin Gaethje turned it down, saying that Ilia Topuria would have to earn it again before fighting for a title. In the same interview, he also mentioned that he probably won’t be the only one taking a break, and that Ilia Topuria needs to get his injuries, which were clearly visible, under control first. He said:

“I guess if I’m not fighting until next year, he’s [Ilia Topuria] probably not gonna fight until next year too… I don’t think that’s [rematch with Ilia Topuria] my next fight. I don’t feel it in my gut”

If Justin Gaethje comes back, it’s more likely he’ll face the winner of the bout between Mauricio Ruffy and Arman Tsarukyan, since that fight is already being promoted in part as a elimination match. But for now, we should keep an eye on Justin Gaethje anyway, since he hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of retirement himself.

I’m really curious to see what Justin Gaethje does next. I’d understand if he retired now, but I’d also love to see him defend the title again. I have no idea what I think will happen, maybe you guys have some better ideas. What do you think?