Justin Gaethje Makes Announcement On His Fighting Future After Win At UFC Freedom 250
Key takeaways
- Gaming Justin Gaethje Makes Announcement On His Fighting Future After Win At UFC Freedom 250By Brian Mazique,
- Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights.
- Gaethje was a guest on Joe Rogan's podcast and he talked about his future.
Gaming Justin Gaethje Makes Announcement On His Fighting Future After Win At UFC Freedom 250By Brian Mazique,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brian Mazique has covered combat sports and video games since 2011.Follow Author Jun 20, 2026, 09:40pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Summary UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, following his fourth-round TKO win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, has announced he will not retire. On Joe Rogan's podcast, Gaethje confirmed plans to fight again, despite the victory providing an ideal career exit. He explicitly denied Topuria a rematch, asserting the former champion "quit" and hasn't earned another opportunity. Gaethje aims for an early 2027 return, ruling out 2026 due to a medical suspension and a need for recovery. While no specific opponent is named, the winner of the upcoming Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway fight is a likely candidate for his next title defense.
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 15: Justin Gaethje participates in a press conference with other fight winners and Dana White following UFC Freedom 250 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC on June 15, 2026. (Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)Anadolu via Getty ImagesIf you wanted to walk away from the UFC, Justin Gaethje just secured the perfect victory to walk off into the sunset. Only Gaethje isn't planning on walking away. The new UFC lightweight champion who scored an insane fourth-round TKO victory over Ilia Topuria at the White House in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 says he's looking to fight again.