Former UFC interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is remaining adamant regarding his stance on a lightweight title fight against Ilia Topuria.
At UFC 317 on June 29, Ilia Topuria became the new lightweight champion when he viciously knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round, joining a list of elite names to become a champion in two weight classes.
Immediately after the fight, controversy ensued when Topuria was faced with his potential next opponent as Paddy Pimblett stormed the cage for an impromptu face off.
Despite that, after the event UFC boss Dana White explained his frustration with the situation, claiming Pimblett shouldn’t have been called into the cage as that’s ‘not the fight’.
Justin Gaethje provides title fight update after retirement ultimatum
Before the UFC 317 main event, though, former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje shared his stance on the situation, venting his frustration after not being picked.
And with that, the UFC veteran made an extremely bold claim that if he isn’t given a title shot in his next fight, he will officially retire from the sport.
‘El Matador’ played down ‘The Highlight’ as a potential next opponent, claiming that he isn’t interested in fighting him, which doesn’t bode well for Gaethje.
Not only that, but Dana White also implored that Gaethje should retire if he’s already considering doing so.
Despite that, ahead of UFC 318 this Saturday, Gaethje took to the stage at the ceremonial weigh-ins to answer some questions from the media and some fans.
After being asked what’s next for him, Gaethje said: “It’s me or Arman (Tsarukyan), I believe someone has to fight (Topuria) this year and I think I’m in a better spot than Arman so someone’s gotta fight him.
“I hope it’s at Madison Square Garden, New York City, I get to fight him and then I get to defend it on the White House lawn.”
Ever since Donald Trump made a staggering announcement a few weeks ago that he will host a UFC event at the White House, almost every fighter on the roster has thrown their name in the hat to compete on the event.
Max Holloway names Justin Gaethje as the hardest hitter he’s ever faced
This Saturday, two of Gaethje’s former foes clash against each other in the UFC 318 main event, as Max Holloway takes on Dustin Poirier in ‘The Diamond’s’ retirement fight.
Ahead of their clash, Holloway has credited Gaethje as the hardest hitter he’s ever faced, snubbing Topuria despite the Spaniard being the first fighter to ever knock him out.
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