Justin Gaethje Discusses Retirement Timeline: “I’ll be 100% done”
Justin Gaethje has confessed that he plans on retiring from MMA by mid-2027. For now, he still has some business left in the octagon and some goals to fulfill.
The Highlight’ previously was rumored to retire if he lost to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. However, on fight night, Gaethje put on an overpowering performance, which was enough to dismantle ‘The Baddy’ and win the interim 155-pound championship.
Gaethje, who is the only UFC fighter to win the interim title twice, would look to upgrade its status to undisputed by dethroning Ilia Topuria later this year.
If the 37-year-old becomes the undisputed UFC lightweight champion, he plans on defending his belt a couple of times before saying farewell to the game, as his coach had stated before. That being said, he plans to retire by mid-2027. He recently told Zach Gelb:
“I’m 37 years old now. I’d be a fool to think it’s the beginning, and there’s no doubt we’re toward the end. But I don’t know. I think by mid-2027, I’ll be 100% done.”
Gaethje added that if he gets past Topuria, he may consider retirement, as “it wouldn’t be a dumb idea to not do it again.” On the other hand, if he gets knocked out by ‘El Matador,’ then he plans on calling it quits. However, he reiterated that he would never publicly announce retirement after a win against any specific opponent.
Check out Justin Gaethje’s comments below:
Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria is rumored to headline the UFC White House event, and there is a 90% chance of it happening, as per Álvaro Colmenero.
Justin Gaethje builds his perfect UFC fighter
During a recent sit-down with Paramount UFC, Justin Gaethje was asked to build his perfect UFC fighter.
Firstly, coming to the wrestling department, Gaethje chose his former opponent, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Coming to cardio, he went with Merab ‘The Machine’ Dvalishvili. For speed, he picked Michael Johnson, and for power, he went with Francis Ngannou. Lastly, Gaethje chose Charles Oliveira for submission.
Check out Justin Gaethje building his perfect UFC fighter below:
