Gaethje On Possible Retirement After UFC Title Win

Justin Gaethje has not ruled out retirement following his UFC lightweight title victory earlier this year.

The newly crowned champion told the MightyCast YouTube channel that he remains undecided on his future despite achieving his career goal. Gaethje, who fought twice in 2026, said he is dealing with a deep bone bruise in his knee and lingering hand issues that require extended recovery time.

What Gaethje Said About His Fighting Future

"I've fought twice this year, I have deep bone bruise in my knee, I can't punch with my hand still so I really need to recover and I know for a fact I won't fight again this year," Gaethje said, per Bloody Elbow. He added that he performed better than ever statistically despite those injuries.

Gaethje said he relies on input from his family and coaches to help him decide when to walk away. "I have a family, I've always trusted and told my parents, my brothers, my sister, my coaches, that I need them to have a conversation with me whenever the time needs to come," he explained. BJPenn.com reported that Gaethje is treating the decision like a business and weighing his options carefully.

Potential opponents for the champion include Ilia Topuria in a possible rematch or the winner of an upcoming bout between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy. Gaethje won the title at UFC Freedom 250 and will not compete again in 2026.

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• BJPenn — UFC champion Justin Gaethje provides update on possible MMA retirement