Gaethje Mulls Retirement Over UFC Title Shot Snub

Justin Gaethje is considering retirement if he is not granted a UFC lightweight title shot in his next fight, according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz. Despite Gaethje's strong record and reputation for stepping in on short notice, he was overlooked for the UFC 317 vacant lightweight title fight, which will feature Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria after Islam Makhachev moved to welterweight. Gaethje feels disrespected by the UFC given his contributions and is prepared to retire if denied another title opportunity. Abdelaziz stressed Gaethje's principled stance and hopes the UFC will grant him the shot after UFC 317. Gaethje has previously lost two undisputed lightweight title fights and, at age 36, acknowledges his window for a championship run is closing. His decision puts pressure on the UFC as fans and his team await the outcome.