Justin Gaethje reveals when he expects to return to the UFC after winning the lightweight title.

Justin gaethje won the BMF belt in UFC 291. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Fans who are waiting to see Justin gaethje Defenders of the lightweight title (up to 70,3kg) this year may have to wait longer than they imagined, after defeat Ilia Topuria No. UFC White Househeld last Sunday (14), in Washington DC (USA), Gaethje indicated that sports fans should not expect to see him in action again anytime soon.

During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on YouTube, the new champion commented on the possibility of a first title defense in the coming months. The American, who achieved the greatest feat of his career by ending the Georgian's undefeated streak and taking the top spot in the division, stated that there is a very small chance of him returning to the octagon this year.

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“I’ve already fought twice this year, and you very rarely see me fight twice in a year. So there’s a very, very small chance I’ll consider fighting again this year,” revealed the lightweight champion.

The statement is noteworthy because the category is going through a period of intense activity. Several athletes are emerging as potential title contenders, fueling expectations that the champion would return to action sometime in 2026. However, everything indicates that Gaethje intends to prioritize physical recovery after another demanding performance.

At 37 years old, the American has built a reputation based on aggressive performances and memorable fights. Wars against Dustin poirierclashes in front of Raphael Fizievin addition to the title fights against Charles of the Bronx e Khabib Nurmagomedov These achievements helped solidify his image as one of the most exciting fighters in the organization's recent history. The victory over Topuria only reinforced that.

Throughout his career, Justin has been involved in fights that demanded enormous physical exertion, a characteristic that has made him one of the most popular athletes in the UFC. Therefore, the possibility of a long period away from the octagon is not surprising to those who follow his career.

What's the next step for the new champion?

Gaethje celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

Now, with the title in his possession, Gaethje becomes the man to beat in one of the most competitive divisions in the organization. Names like Charles of the Bronx, Arman Tsarukyan and even a rematch against Ilia Topuria They appear as potential candidates for the next title fight.

While the UFC has yet to determine who the next challenger will be, the champion is taking the opportunity to celebrate a victory that he considers one of the most complete performances of his career and which, in his own words, turned the decisive rounds into a true "hell" for the former champion.