UFC star Justin Gaethje discusses his retirement timeline as he prepares for a rumored fight against Ilia Topuria at a White House event

Everything that is excellent has to end. What counts is how you finish. The interim lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje, announced that he intends to retire from MMA shortly. With more than 30 professional bouts under his belt, ‘The Highlight’ is now well aware of his combat sports longevity. At 37, Gaethje has already written a career for the record books for ages, with 3 UFC titles and a WSOF title under his name. However, near the end, it appears unfinished business has a way of pulling you back.

Gaethje was originally rumored to retire if he lost to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. On fight night, though, the veteran's dominant performance was enough to take down "The Baddy." Gaethje's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, said that Gaethje would retire if he isn't given a chance to win a title after defeating Rafael Fiziev in a March 2025 decision. But now, Gaethje, who is the only UFC fighter to win the interim title twice, is looking to elevate its status to undisputed by defeating Ilia Topuria later this year.

One final attempt as Justin Gaethje targets the White House headliner

“I’m 37 years old now. I’d be a fool to think this is the beginning, and there’s no doubt we’re toward the end. But I think by mid-2027, I’ll be 100% done.

“With the amount I’m going to have to sacrifice, the work I’ll have to put in, and the challenge that is Ilia Topuria, on the White House card, I would never publicly say that I’m done after that fight. But if I accomplished that, if I’m successful, it wouldn’t be a dumb idea to not do it again,” Justin Gaethje stated to Zach Gelb.



‘The Highlight’ hopes to defend his UFC lightweight title twice before retiring from professional fighting if he becomes the undisputed champion. Furthermore, that route does not necessarily go through Topuria. Gaethje went on to say, “The interim champion gets an automatic claim to the undisputed title, which belongs to Ilia Topuria. He has some personal issues going on, and I’m not sure when he’s going to come back and fight again. Ultimately, I can’t control that.”

Justin Gaethje said that by the middle of 2027, he will be done with MMA. However, he states it might occur sooner if he beats Ilia Topuria.

via @ZachGelb

“I know for a fact that I’m going to fight in the future, and it’s going to be a huge fight. June is the White House card, and I’m American; I represent this country. So whether I’m fighting Ilia Topuria or someone else, I expect to be the main event of that card,” Gaethje added confidently.

According to rumors, the UFC White House Card is expected to have 6-7 title fights, and Topuria vs. Gaethje could be on the list. Gaethje is also open to facing Conor McGregor if Topuria is not available. The Irishman is eager to return to combat and is practicing on the White House card. With him and Gaethje as the main attractions, the event will likely be even more popular than Topuria vs. Gaethje.







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