Cormier On Gaethje's Next Move After UFC White House

Daniel Cormier believes Justin Gaethje has no straightforward path forward after his career-defining upset of Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.

The 37-year-old lightweight champion stopped Topuria in the fourth round at the White House in June, claiming the undisputed title in what many consider one of the most crowd-pleasing performances in MMA history. Now Gaethje must decide whether to defend against clear No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan, grant Topuria a rematch, or walk away on top.

Why Cormier Sees Trouble Ahead For Gaethje

Cormier discussed the champion's dilemma on his YouTube channel, pointing out that age and family pressure complicate every option. "When you look at JG and you look at him talking about his fighting, what the future looks like, and what he is going to do, there are a number of things that you have to really pay attention to," Cormier said, as MMA Fighting reported. "One, he's 37 or 38. That's getting up there in years, especially in that division."

Gaethje's mother publicly wanted him to retire after the Topuria win, Cormier noted, but the fighter's competitive drive keeps pulling him back. Tsarukyan knocked out Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 to solidify his case for a title shot, yet Gaethje would enter that fight as a significant underdog despite his recent form. A Topuria rematch carries similar risk — the Georgian hurt Gaethje at points in their first meeting and will adjust his approach for a second bout.

The financial lure remains powerful. Gaethje earned an extra $825,000 in bonuses at UFC Freedom 250 alone, adding to a UFC run that has netted 17 post-fight bonuses across 16 appearances. "If he wins, then the money will just get bigger, and there will be that pull to come back again," Cormier said. "It never stops." Even retirement presents no easy solution, according to the former two-division champion, because walking away with fight left in the tank means leaving future paydays on the table.

Gaethje has said he targets a 2027 defense but has not committed to an opponent. UFC Qatar is scheduled for November 21.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Morning Report: Daniel Cormier sees ‘no easy option’ for Justin Gaethje’s next move