Gaethje Wants 'Big, Big' Fight Next, Says Manager

Justin Gaethje will not return to the cage until 2027, and when he does, his manager says it needs to be a massive fight.

Gaethje's manager Ali Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie that the UFC lightweight champion wants time off after beating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 earlier this year. According to Abdelaziz, Gaethje fought twice in 2026 and has earned a break before his next outing.

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What Gaethje's Manager Said About His Return

"He wants to be in a big fight – a big, big fight," Abdelaziz said, per MMA Junkie. "What is the big fight? Who decides that? It's Dana White who decides what's the biggest fight they can make."

Abdelaziz added that retirement remains on the table for Gaethje given everything he has accomplished in the sport. The manager said he would be happy if Gaethje walked away today, but noted that the decision ultimately rests with the champion himself.

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"If he wants to choose to fight one more time, he can fight one more time because nobody tells him what to do," Abdelaziz said. "He's the boss. At the end of the day, it just has to be a massive fight."

Several contenders at lightweight could provide the big-name opponent Gaethje reportedly wants, though his age and accumulated damage make any next fight potentially his last. Gaethje remains the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.

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• BJPenn — Justin Gaethje wants a ‘big, big’ fight next, claims his manager