Justin Gaethje threatens retirement if UFC doesn't grant him title fight, says Khabib Nurmagomedov's manager
Justin Gaethje may end up hanging up the gloves if his next fight is not for the UFC lightweight title, according to his and Khabib Nurmagomedov's manager, Ali Abdelaziz.
In a recent appearance on Submission Radio, Abdelaziz expounded upon what could be next for the former interim UFC lightweight champion.
While also addressing the looming UFC 317 fight for the vacant lightweight title between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria and how Gaethje should get the winner, Abdelaziz said:
"They needed him [Gaethje] and he was there regardless. He's done so much for the sport and if anyone says he doesn't deserve it. He [Justin] said, 'If I'm not going to fight for the title, I'm just gonna hang up my gloves.'... Very principled guy and I never feel strong about this. He only really told me this yesterday. I was at another fight."
He added:
"He said 'I'm not gonna get a title shot. I feel disrespected. I love being a UFC fighter. I love the UFC, but I feel the UFC has to love me back.' He doesn't feel the love right now but listen, at the end of the day, I think they love him. I think they'll give him what he wanted but at the end of the day, we have to see what happen first between Charles and Ilia."
Check out Ali Abdelaziz's comments below:
Justin Gaethje and his past bids for the UFC belt
Justin Gaethje has been an interim champ at 155 pounds and was also the BMF champion, but he has yet to hold the lineal lightweight strap.
The 36-year-old has competed for it previously with his first crack at undisputed gold coming against the aforementioned Khabib Nurmagomedov. This outing saw Nurmagomedov finish Gaethje with a triangle choke in the second round of their UFC 254 headliner for the lightweight crown.
The Arizona native did eventually earn a sophomore crack at the belt when he stepped into the cage with the previously referenced Charles Oliveira. This lightweight title contest would see Charles Oliveira submit Justin Gaethje with a rear naked choke in the first round of their UFC 274 championship main event.
However, Oliveira was stripped of stripped of his lightweight title, after he missed weight.