Gaethje Unsure On Fighting Future After Title Win

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has not decided whether he will fight again.

Gaethje, who stopped Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 in June to claim the undisputed lightweight title, told the Flagrant podcast he is dealing with lingering injuries and weighing his options as he enters his late thirties. The 37-year-old champion has absorbed significant damage across two title fights this year, per Sherdog, first beating Paddy Pimblett for an interim belt in January before finishing Topuria five months later.

Injuries And Recovery Taking Priority

Gaethje revealed he still cannot punch with one hand and is nursing a deep knee bruise three months removed from his last bout. He said his brain needs rest after back-to-back training camps. "I have injuries I have to take care of," he said, according to the report. "I am 37 years old. My first fight was in 2008. I've had 40 fights, including my amateur fights, so I don't know… I don't need to."

The champion acknowledged Arman Tsarukyan earned a title shot with his knockout of Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 and made clear he is not avoiding the contender. Gaethje said if he does defend the belt, Tsarukyan will be the opponent. For now, he plans to enjoy the rest of the year before making a final call on his career.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Justin Gaethje unsure he’ll fight again: ‘I don’t need to’