Justin Gaethje reveals timeline for next fight after UFC title win

Justin Gaethje does not expect to defend his newly won UFC lightweight title before 2027.

Gaethje, who stopped Ilia Topuria via corner stoppage at UFC White House on June 14, told The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday that another fight this calendar year is off the table. "I already fought twice this year, and very rarely do you get me twice in one year," he said, per MMA Fighting. "So there's very, very small chance that I would ever consider fighting this year again."

Gaethje calls White House victory 'absolutely insane'

The 37-year-old called his title-clinching performance the greatest of his career. Topuria entered as the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world and a heavy favourite, but Gaethje battered him until his corner threw in the towel. "Yesterday, my dad asked me, 'How's it feel waking up for the first time being champion?' I haven't even thought about it," Gaethje said. "I sat there and thought about it, and it's absolutely insane."

Gaethje had lost two previous undisputed title fights before breaking through on the South Lawn. He credited timing and precision for the win, saying he fought "a perfect fight" and forced Topuria into sustained trouble over multiple rounds. "When we go to 2, when we go to 3, you're going to be in hell," he recalled telling McAfee before the bout. "That's where he was."

The new champion has not ruled out retirement but made clear any return would come next year at the earliest. Gaethje fought twice in 2026 before capturing the belt, a pace he called rare for himself given the toll his style demands.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Justin Gaethje: It’s ‘absolutely insane’ to finally be UFC champion, reveals timeline to fight again | MMA Fighting