Former UFC BMF champion Justin Gaethje has twice fought for the undisputed Lightweight title. He fell short both times, but seems eager to make things work the third time. Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria are fighting for the Lightweight title, vacated by Islam Makhachev, later this month at UFC 317.
That’s a matchup that Gaethje and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, are keeping a close eye on.
Ali Abdelaziz Claims Justin Gaethje Might Retire
Following Kayla Harrison’s Women’s Bantamweight title triumph over Julianna Peña at UFC 316, Abdelaziz appeared on Submission Radio, sharing details of the prospects of the fighters under his stable, Dominance MMA.
When interviewer Denis Shkuratov enquired whether Gaethje would fight Paddy Pimblett or Arman Tsarukyan, the MMA manager had a different opinion.
“Justin Gaethje fight the winner [of Topuria vs Oliveira], ” Abdelaziz said. “He won three of his last four. He saved the UFC two times. They needed him, and he’s there. The guy did so much for the sport, and if anyone said he doesn’t deserve it, and he said, ‘I’m not going to fight for the title, I’m just going to hang up my gloves.'”
What the 47-year-old said makes sense, considering Gaethje has beaten Dustin Poirier and Rafael Fiziev (twice) in his last four. The sole defeat came against Max Holloway at UFC 300 in a BMF title fight. If he had not fought Holloway, Gaethje would’ve probably gotten a Lightweight title shot against Makhachev.
Abdelaziz also added that he was with Gaethje at the recently concluded UFC 316 at the Prudential Center in Newark, disclosing their conversation.
“He said, ‘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 the UFC have to love me back.’ He doesn’t feel the love right now. But you know, listen, at the end of the day, I think this guy, they love him. I think they will give him what he wanted,” Abdelaziz added.
The winner of Topuria vs Oliveira will likely fight for more time before the year ends. Oliveira has already beaten Gaethje at UFC 274 by a first-round rear-naked choke submission. Therefore, it might seem Gaethje’s best chance of getting a title shot is by Topuria defeating Oliveira.
However, Topuria and Pimblett have a long-standing beef, though they were cordial the last time they saw each other in London. With the UFC’s penchant for promoting fights with a history, Topuria vs. Pimblett is a shoo-in title fight if the Georgian claims the Lightweight strap.
With Gaethje’s hopes of a title shot slim, it remains to be seen what Dana White and the matchmakers decide. There is a precedent of Gaethje getting a title shot after threatening the promotion.
Following his victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 268, Gaethje said, “If I don’t get the shot, we riot. We go to war,” at the post-fight press conference.
He got his wish at UFC 274, but lost to Oliveira.