Gaethje celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Justin Gaethje is not expected to return to the octagon until 2027. Despite experiencing one of the best moments of his career after winning the undisputed lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) against Ilia Topuria at UFC Casa Branca , the American intends to take a period of rest before defining his next fight. This information was confirmed by his manager, Ali Abdelaziz.
In an interview with the American website MMA Junkie, the agent of major stars explained that Gaethje fulfilled his schedule for the season after having two fights in 2026 and, therefore, should only return next year. According to Abdelaziz, the lightweight champion is looking for a high-profile fight to mark his return.
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“In 2027, we’ll see Justin Gaethje fight. He fought twice this year, he needs rest, he’s still the lightweight champion, he wants a big fight… It just needs to be an epic fight,” Ali Abdelaziz assured.
The businessman also highlighted that the American has already achieved practically everything he could in MMA and stated that an immediate retirement would not be a surprise. Still, he made it clear that the decision to continue competing depends exclusively on the athlete himself.
"If he retires tomorrow, I'll be happy, because he did everything he could, but if he wants to fight again, he can fight again, he's the boss," the businessman added.
Justin Gaethje's MMA career
Gaethje promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
At 37 years old, Justin Gaethje is the current undisputed lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) and one of the most popular fighters in the organization. The American has a professional record of 28 wins and five losses, with 20 wins by knockout and two by submission, numbers that solidify his reputation as one of the most aggressive strikers in MMA history.
A two-time former interim champion in the division, 'The Highlight' is experiencing one of the best moments of his career after unifying the belt by defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC Casa Branca , expanding his legacy and reinforcing his status among the greatest lightweights of all time.
Meet the key figures who worked with Ali Abdelaziz.
Khabib celebrates UFC victory with Ali. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/AliAbdelaziz
Throughout his career, Ali built one of the most influential agencies in the world of MMA, representing UFC champions and prominent athletes in different weight classes.
The main name associated with his career is Khabib Nurmagomedov . The former UFC lightweight champion ended his career undefeated, with 29 wins in professional MMA, and became one of the greatest phenomena in the history of the sport. His partnership with Ali was fundamental for much of the Russian's time in the octagon.
In addition to Khabib, the businessman was also linked to the careers of Islam Makhachev , the current welterweight champion and one of the leading names in the lightweight division; Kamaru Usman , former welterweight champion; Justin Gaethje , one of the most popular athletes in the category (up to 70,3 kg); and Henry Cejudo , UFC champion in two divisions and Olympic medalist.
The list of athletes represented by Ali also includes Kayla Harrison , UFC champion and two-time Olympic champion, as well as Fabricio Werdum , a jiu-jitsu legend and former heavyweight champion of the world's largest MMA event.
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