Justin Gaethje suspects that the UFC sought to remove him from their roster after he suffered a devastating last-second knockout loss to Max Holloway in their BMF title bout at UFC 300.
Following the defeat to Holloway, Gaethje took a hiatus of nearly a year before returning to victory against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313. He then secured the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 by dominating Paddy Pimblett for five rounds.
Gaethje is now scheduled to face the reigning UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria, on June 14.
Justin Gaethje’s Perspective on UFC’s Post-Holloway Strategy
In a recent interview with Grind City Media, Gaethje expressed his opinion that the UFC, after his knockout loss to Max Holloway, attempted to sideline him by matching him against eager, rising contenders, presumably hoping that further defeats would prompt his retirement.
“I’ve had two wins since [the loss to Holloway], it’s been awesome, I mean, they’ve tried to get rid of me. They don’t wanna get rid of me, I’m a great fighter for the company. I’ve held of these young up-and-comers, f*cking, these guys are so hungry. Paddy was so hungry, Fiziev is so hungry,” Gaethje stated.
Gaethje has previously indicated that a knockout loss to Topuria on June 14 could lead to his retirement. However, if he defeats “El Matador,” he intends to defend his title at least twice before considering retirement.
Justin Gaethje Believes UFC Attempted His Exit Post-Holloway KO
Justin Gaethje shares his conviction that the UFC aimed to “get rid” of him after his devastating knockout defeat to Max Holloway in their BMF title fight at UFC 300. Gaethje theorizes that the organization strategically matched him against hungry, up-and-coming fighters, hoping a string of losses would force him into retirement.
After the Holloway loss, Gaethje took a year-long break before returning to winning form against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313. He further solidified his position by claiming the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 with a dominant performance over Paddy Pimblett.
Gaethje is now set to challenge current UFC lightweight kingpin Ilia Topuria on June 14. He remarked, “I’ve had two wins since [the loss to Holloway], it’s been awesome, I mean, they’ve tried to get rid of me. They don’t wanna get rid of me, I’m a great fighter for the company. I’ve held of these young up-and-comers, f*cking, these guys are so hungry. Paddy was so hungry, Fiziev is so hungry.”
While Gaethje has suggested retirement might follow a knockout loss to Topuria, a victory would see him aiming for multiple title defenses before considering stepping away from the sport.