Overview
- Gaethje’s manager Ali Abdelaziz told media on Thursday that the champion is not retiring and is expected to fight again in 2027.
- Abdelaziz said Gaethje will only accept a “big, big” or “massive” matchup rather than an immediate title defense against a lower-profile challenger.
- The champion’s 2026 run — wins over Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria that culminated in the undisputed lightweight title — gives Gaethje leverage to demand a high-profile return.
- Abdelaziz stressed that the UFC and Dana White will decide which fights are feasible, leaving the promotion room to stage contender bouts while Gaethje rests.
- Possible next routes mentioned by Abdelaziz include Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, Arman Tsarukyan, and other contenders, and the division could see interim or eliminator fights set for late 2026 as a result.