TLDR
- Justin Gaethje confirmed 2026 will be his final year competing in the UFC
- The 36-year-old fighter plans to retire by 2027 after nearly 20 years in combat sports
- Gaethje wants to start a family and be the kind of parent his own parents were for him
- He has been committed to fighting since leaving high school in 2007
- Gaethje faces Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026 in Las Vegas
Sources: MMA Weekly | Total Pro Sports | MMA Mania
UFC lightweight fighter Justin Gaethje has confirmed he will retire from mixed martial arts by 2027. The 36-year-old stated that 2026 will be his final year competing in the octagon.
Gaethje revealed his retirement plans in a recent interview. He explained that starting a family has become his priority after dedicating nearly two decades to fighting.
“I do want children, but I don’t want children until I can be what my parents were for me,” Gaethje said. “I’m almost done with this ride. I think definitely by 2027 I will be done.”
The former interim UFC lightweight champion has been competing since 2007. He made his professional debut shortly after leaving high school and has not stopped training since.
Chael Sonnen has mixed feelings about Justin Gaethje retirement talk before #UFC324 (via @MikeBohn) https://t.co/JHAqVZMFdA
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 18, 2026
Career Built on Unconditional Support
Gaethje credits much of his success to his parents. He said their support has allowed him to pursue fighting without reservation.
“I just have the most amazing parents,” Gaethje said. “The unconditional love, the unconditional support that they have given me and shown me through my whole life is something that I wish every child could experience.”
The Arizona native explained that his family’s backing has given him the freedom to compete at the highest level. He wants to provide the same foundation for his own children before starting a family.
“I think it allows me to be so free, you know,” Gaethje said. “My family is so loving. So supportive, all my coaches.”
Gaethje acknowledged that his commitment to training has affected his personal life. He said he has never been married and has struggled to balance his career with relationships.
“For one, I can’t find a girl that I trust to have kids with,” Gaethje said. “But outside that, I’ve been so committed to training.”
The Highlight’s Legacy
Known by his nickname “The Highlight,” Gaethje has built a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history. His fights against Michael Johnson, Eddie Alvarez, Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, and Max Holloway are considered some of the best in the lightweight division.
At 36 years old, Gaethje remains an elite contender. Many in the sport already consider him a legend despite never winning an undisputed UFC championship.
Gaethje said his sustained hunger for competition comes from staying focused on the same goals he had as a child. “I think that’s a reason why I feel just as much hunger and just as much fire in me is because I’m still on the same path as I was when I was a little kid,” he said.
The fighter acknowledged the physical toll his aggressive style has taken on his body. His willingness to engage in brutal exchanges has made him a fan favorite but has come at a cost.
Gaethje is scheduled to face Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026. The fight takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Before the bout, Gaethje made his intentions clear. “I specifically want to hurt this kid badly,” he said about Pimblett. “Can’t wait to f**k this kid up.”
The winner of the fight could earn a shot at the lightweight title currently held by Ilia Topuria. For Gaethje, UFC 324 represents one of his final opportunities to capture undisputed UFC gold before retiring.
