Justin Gaethje`s path to the UFC lightweight title is currently uncertain.
A vacant belt at 155 pounds is contested in the main event of UFC 317 on June 28, but Gaethje is conspicuously absent from the lineup. The fight features the undefeated Ilia Topuria against former champion Charles Oliveira for the belt recently vacated by Islam Makhachev. Topuria himself recently relinquished his featherweight title to pursue lightweight gold, while Makhachev is reportedly moving up to welterweight to face the new champion, Jack Della Maddalena.
UFC commentator Jon Anik, who recently spoke with Gaethje, relayed that “The Highlight” was considerably displeased upon hearing the announcement for the UFC 317 headlining bout.
Anik stated on his podcast, “He was upset.” Gaethje, according to Anik, feels he was explicitly bypassed for Charles Oliveira in securing this title shot against Ilia Topuria. Gaethje and his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, are now seeking a guarantee that Gaethje will be the next challenger. Anik highlighted that given the short timeframe until UFC 317 (June 28 is less than six weeks from May 19), this isn`t an unreasonable demand from Gaethje. Anik cited Gaethje`s recent victory over Rafael Fiziev, his decision to stay active and secure a win after UFC 300, and the fact that he participated in UFC 300 potentially sacrificing a clearer path to a title shot then, as justifications. Anik speculated that Gaethje might well receive some assurance regarding the next title opportunity against the winner of Topuria vs. Oliveira.
Anik reiterated, “But I can confirm, Justin was definitely not pleased.”
Gaethje, a former interim champion, holds a record of three wins in his last four bouts. In his most recent appearance, the text states he secured a unanimous decision win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, bouncing back from a brutal knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300. Prior to the loss to Holloway, Gaethje delivered a highlight-reel head kick knockout against fellow lightweight contender Dustin Poirier.
Focusing on Charles Oliveira`s recent history, the text mentions that in his most recent fight, Oliveira defeated Michael Chandler for a second time. “Do Bronx” has been near another title opportunity but faced obstacles: a fight week injury withdrew him from a Makhachev rematch, followed by a close split decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 289. The text also recalls Oliveira`s first-round submission victory over Gaethje at UFC 274.
Kenny Florian, Anik`s co-host, expressed hope that a fight between Gaethje and Topuria will eventually materialize.
Florian commented, “I`m certain Gaethje is unhappy, but I believe a matchup between him and Topuria would be exceptionally compelling.” He contrasted this with an Oliveira fight, noting that with Oliveira, “you certainly need to be concerned about his grappling.” Florian doubts Oliveira would willingly engage Gaethje in extended striking exchanges. However, a Topuria vs. Gaethje bout, he asserted, is “guaranteed fireworks. Those fighters are predisposed to stand and trade blows. That fight will unquestionably deliver, and I genuinely think we`ll witness it eventually.”
Gaethje now faces a crucial decision: should he wait for the outcome of the UFC 317 main event to secure the next title shot, or risk his high ranking by taking another fight to remain active? The rapidly ascending lightweight Paddy Pimblett has publicly stated his interest in fighting Gaethje next, prompting Anik to question the strategic wisdom of such a matchup for Gaethje.
Anik argued that strictly based on ranking and status, Charles Oliveira arguably has a stronger claim than Justin Gaethje, citing Oliveira`s status as a former champion and his victory over Michael Chandler as referenced in the text. However, Anik conceded that while both fighters present compelling cases for a title shot against Ilia Topuria, neither claim is definitively “ironclad” based solely on recent results. He also noted that Islam Makhachev`s move suggests a permanent departure from the lightweight division, solidifying the title vacancy.
Regarding the potential fight against Paddy Pimblett, Anik acknowledged the UFC`s potential interest in it but questioned its appeal for Gaethje. He posed, “If you`re Justin Gaethje, standing on the brink of competing for the sole accolade that has evaded you in this sport, what valuation do you place on accepting a fight against a lower-ranked opponent?” Anik elaborated that a victory over someone like Pimblett wouldn`t significantly advance Gaethje towards his primary objective and could simply result in further delays, even assuming he emerges from the fight unscathed. While acknowledging Pimblett`s expressed eagerness for the matchup, Anik expressed doubt that Gaethje would readily agree to it.
