TLDR
- Justin Gaethje blames manager Ali Abdelaziz for issuing a retirement ultimatum after his March win over Rafael Fiziev
- The ultimatum, demanding a title shot or retirement, reportedly damaged Gaethje’s relationship with UFC president Dana White
- Gaethje will fight Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas
- At 37 years old, Gaethje admits ‘the end is near’ for his fighting career
- Gaethje’s coach Trevor Wittman has called UFC 324 ‘our last run,’ especially if Gaethje loses
Sources: Fight Sports | Bloody Elbow | MMA Fighting
Justin Gaethje says his manager is responsible for the retirement ultimatum that damaged his relationship with UFC president Dana White. The 37-year-old fighter will face Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
After Gaethje defeated Rafael Fiziev by decision in March, his manager Ali Abdelaziz told Submission Radio that Gaethje would retire unless he received a title shot. The statement reportedly angered White and put Gaethje in the UFC president’s bad books.
“I definitely got what I asked for,” Gaethje told TNT Sports. “It was more my manager put me in that – I mean, I probably said it, but you know, we’re emotional beings and we’re petty.”
Gaethje explained he felt he had earned a title opportunity and was trying to stand up for himself. “You don’t get to where I’m at or where these fighters are at without being petty,” he said. “I take things personal and I thought I had earned something and so I was trying to stand up.”
Career Nearing Its End
When asked about retirement, Gaethje acknowledged his fighting days are limited. “No, but it’s not the beginning,” he said. “I’m 37 years old. I’d be a fool to think that we’re just getting started here. The end is near.”
His coach Trevor Wittman has described UFC 324 as “our last run,” especially if Gaethje loses. A loss could push Gaethje to the back of the contender line permanently.
Gaethje has compiled an impressive resume during his eight-year UFC career. He has won nine Fight of the Night awards and captured the “BMF” belt. He also won an interim lightweight title when he defeated Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 in May 2020.
The interim title on the line at UFC 324 doesn’t carry extra meaning for Gaethje beyond the increased pay. He remains focused on the task at hand against Pimblett.
Looking Forward to UFC 324
“Every single one of these is a traumatic life experience,” Gaethje said. “There’s no matching the high or the low of winning or losing this sport. It kind of ruined other parts of life, but no, I am so hungry and I’ve never felt more alive than when I go in there.”
Gaethje said he will miss fighting when it’s gone. “I think I truly love it more than most,” he added.
Pimblett, meanwhile, plans to keep the fight standing against Gaethje. “I’ll keep it on the feet with him,” Pimblett told TNT Sports. “There’s the blueprint there to beat him, Max [Holloway] done it.”
Pimblett referenced his striking performance against Michael Chandler at UFC 314 earlier last year. “He had an absolute war with Chandler and I pieced Chandler up,” Pimblett said. “I know MMA math doesn’t work, but you’ll see come Jan. 24, when we have a perfect gameplan and we finish him within three.”
Gaethje enters the fight as a betting underdog. Pimblett believes his awkward style will make it difficult for Gaethje to find proper sparring partners. “I do everything differently,” Pimblett explained. “I’m not normal, so he’s not going to be able to get a sparring partner that grapples like me or strikes like me because I’m a weirdo.”
The main event takes place next Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
