Justin Gaethje Gains Support for UFC Lightweight Title Next

At UFC 317, Ilia Topuria won the vacant lightweight title with a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira, shaking up the division and igniting controversy over the next title challenger. Justin Gaethje, a two-time title challenger, issued an ultimatum threatening retirement if he was not granted the next title shot, a stance supported by his manager Ali Abdelaziz and rival Dustin Poirier. However, UFC president Dana White dismissed Gaethje's ultimatum as "wacky," suggesting that if Gaethje wanted to retire, he should do so, while also expressing displeasure over Paddy Pimblett's impromptu post-fight cage entrance, which White said should not have happened. Despite Arman Tsarukyan serving as a backup for UFC 317, White stated he is not next in line for the title, leaving the door open for other contenders, with Pimblett emerging as a possible challenger due to his history with Topuria. Gaethje clarified he would only fight the winner of Topuria versus Oliveira for the lightweight belt, emphasizing he is no longer fighting for enjoyment but for a championship opportunity. The lightweight division remains unsettled as Topuria calls for "new blood," while the UFC navigates contender selections amid fan and fighter expectations.