Changed His Mind? Gaethje Rules Out Retirement in Case of Defeat After Threatening to End His Career

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Gaethje focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

MMA legend Justin Gaethje gave his fans great news. The American, who headlines UFC 324, an event taking place this Saturday (24) in Las Vegas (USA), and is for the interim lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg), was flirting with retirement even before facing Paddy Pimblett . However, the veteran has not lost his love for the sport.

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So much so that at the UFC 324 media day, Gaethje ruled out any chance of retiring. It's worth noting that the veteran even stated that, given the turbulent situation at the top of the division, if he didn't get a title shot (either undisputed or interim), he would stop fighting.

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Furthermore, businessman Ali Abdelaziz indicated that the athlete would hang up his gloves if he lost to the Englishman, as he does not wish to play the role of 'guardian' of the division. Now, the former interim champion has clarified the situation and assured that he is more motivated than ever.

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“I think I’d be a fool to think this is the beginning. It certainly isn’t. But where have you seen me talking about retirement? I never talked about it. I said that if I didn’t get the fight I wanted and that I thought I deserved, maybe I would retire. The UFC isn’t going to let me fight for the belt six times. But none of that matters now. I’m here and I got what I wanted,” said the veteran.

“This belt is the same as the one on paper and gives me the chance to fight for the title next. That’s all I asked for. I feel incredible, better than ever, but I’ll always say that. I’m very well prepared. How many fights do I have left? I have no idea. One at a time,” he concluded.