Gaming Justin Gaethje Makes Announcement On His Fighting Future After Win At UFC Freedom 250 By 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 Images If 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.
Gaethje was a guest on Joe Rogan's podcast and he talked about his future. Let's talk MMA.
Gaethje will be around and likely defending his 155-pound title for a little longer. Gaethje will likely never be able to top the win he had over Topuria, but he still clearly believes he has more to offer and gain. Gaethje said he'd talk with his mother about potentially retiring, but it appears the decision has been made.
On Rogan's podcast, Gaethje said, "Right now, I'm planning on it," when asked about a return, adding that nothing in him feels like it's over. He had promised his mother he wouldn't make a retirement call on fight night, honoring a slower decision. His Freedom 250 win looked like a perfect exit, but he isn't taking it.
Gaethje is playing mind games and his point doesn't really make much sense. Truthfully, Topuria nearly had him finished in the second round. The fight was stopped between rounds, but fighters shouldn't be shamed or penalized for knowing when to bow out.
Gaethje was blunt, saying "He doesn't get a rematch" and arguing the former champ quit on the stool while he stopped him twice. He even suggested Topuria should face another contender first. Topuria left the fight with an orbital fracture and temporary vision loss in both eyes and has already vowed to get the rematch once he heals.
If everything goes as he'd like and the UFC would love, Conor McGregor will defeat Max Holloway on July 11 and the Notorious One will take on Gaethje in one of the great fights we haven't seen. Even if Holloway wins, there would seemingly be a solid setup for a rematch after their epic UFC 300 meeting.
Gaethje said he has no name in mind, even brushing off Arman Tsarukyan , the obvious top co…