Justin Gaethje has confirmed he will not compete again in 2026 as the UFC lightweight champion continues to recover from injuries sustained during his victory over Ilia Topuria in June.
Gaethje has fought twice this year, defeating Paddy Pimblett in January before stopping Topuria in the UFC White House main event in June. The American said injuries to both hands mean he is not yet able to resume full training and intends to spend the remainder of the year considering his future.
“I still can’t punch anything,” said Gaethje, according to Sports Illustrated and MMA Fighting. “Both of my hands are still hurt from the fight so I’m just going to enjoy being the champion for the rest of the year because I fought two times already in the first six months.”
“Put everything on paper, pros and cons, talk to my family and everybody that loves me to be honest with me and then I’ll make a decision,” said Gaethje.
One potential option for Gaethje would be an immediate rematch with Topuria, although the champion has indicated he is not particularly interested in facing him again next. Topuria was unable to continue following the fourth round of their June encounter, handing Gaethje the victory. “Ultimately the UFC makes the decision on who I’m going to fight next,” said Gaethje. “I guess if I’m not fighting until next year, [Topuria is] probably not going to fight until next year, too, seeing as he’s still recovering from some things. I don’t think that’s my next fight, in my gut.”
Gaethje has suggested he could fight again despite remaining undecided on his future. Should he return in 2027, the 37-year-old will do so as the reigning undisputed UFC lightweight champion after recording victories over Pimblett and Topuria during the first six months of 2026.
