UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje says he has not yet made a final decision on whether he will compete again following his victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House last month. Should he choose to return to the octagon, Gaethje indicated it will likely not happen until 2027.
Justin Gaethje says he has not made up his mind about whether he will fight again, and if he does return to the octagon, it will likely not happen until 2027.
Gaethje, 37, made the remarks following his victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House last month. The Arizona native now holds the lightweight title with a professional record of 28-5-0, cementing his place atop the 155-pound division. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach, Gaethje has long been one of the most aggressive strikers in the lightweight division, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate throughout his career.
Topuria, ranked second in the lightweight division and first in the pound-for-pound rankings, suffered just the second loss of his professional career, dropping to 17-1-0. The 29-year-old Spanish fighter representing Climent Club had entered the bout as one of the most dangerous challengers in the division, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute with a 48 percent accuracy rate, while also mixing in nearly two takedown attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- A Gaethje absence until 2027 leaves the lightweight title picture unsettled for over a year
- Topuria, still ranked first pound-for-pound despite the loss, remains the most prominent contender at 155 pounds
- The timeline raises questions about whether the division will pursue an interim title in Gaethje's absence
