Justin Gaethje has made it clear he isn’t moving on from lightweight gold – and he feels the UFC owes him another shot.
After a strong showing against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 in March, the former interim champion and BMF titleholder thought he’d done enough to be next in line.
Despite back-to-back wins over Fiziev and a highlight-reel KO of Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje was overlooked for a third title shot – with the opportunity instead going to Charles Oliveira, who faces Ilia Topuria at UFC 317.
Gaethje’s case is strong despite an 0-2 record in previous undisputed title fights (losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Oliveira). But recent momentum didn’t sway matchmakers this time.
UFC analyst Din Thomas suggested that Gaethje’s viral knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 may have cost him, even though that bout had nothing to do with lightweight rankings.
Following the snub, Gaethje’s manager made headlines by saying Gaethje would retire if he wasn’t granted a title shot against the winner of Topuria vs. Oliveira.
And with speculation swirling about his future, Gaethje has spoken out about what comes next.
Justin Gaethje: ‘They owe me a championship fight’
Speaking on The Makeshift Podcast, Gaethje said he’s not interested in taking bouts just to stay active anymore.
“I don’t plan on ever fighting anywhere else,” Gaethje said. “But I’m also not gonna fight for fun anymore. They owe me a championship fight.”
He pointed to his recent record as proof that he should already be booked in a title bout.
“I’m 3-1 in my last four [fights]. They came to my house, begged me to fight Max Holloway at UFC 300. I consider it an exhibition – but not that the loss isn’t on my record, I just mean it had nothing to do with the rankings.
“During that time, Dustin Poirier – who I’d just beaten – got a win over [Benoit] Saint-Denis and then fought for the belt. And since I won, the champ’s already said he wants to fight me. That could’ve been set up. But it wasn’t.”
Gaethje continued: “Then the title gets vacated, and Oliveira – who’s 2-2 in his last four and already lost to Makhachev – gets brought in against a new guy, and I get passed over again. I’m not taking any more fights for fun unless they pay me a lot more money.”
“You’re either taking a risky fight, and if you lose you’re out, or you win and you should be fighting for the belt. That’s it.”
Gaethje is waiting on UFC to guarantee next title shot
After 14 UFC fights and nearly a million dollars in performance bonuses, Gaethje’s résumé speaks for itself.
He’s won nine ‘Fight of the Night’ awards, ended Tony Ferguson’s legendary win streak, took on Khabib Nurmagomedov in the legend’s final fight, and head-kicked Dustin Poirier for the BMF belt.
Gaethje believes there’s nothing left to prove – and says he won’t risk his legacy unless the reward is clear.
“I’m the most consistent guy,” the former BMF champ said. “Anyone who’s been this loyal to their company usually gets a bonus, a thank you, or at least some recognition. I’m not just going to throw away my legacy for nothing.”
He’s still expecting a call for the winner of Topuria vs. Oliveira.
“I’m waiting for them to announce it,” Gaethje said. “[Oliveira] is 2-2, I’m 3-1. What else am I supposed to do? Not my fault [Dan] Hooker pulled out.”
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