Justin Gaethje has already reached the top of the UFC lightweight division, but his next move could have little to do with defending the belt.
Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, believes the former interim champion should focus on landing the biggest possible payday if he only has one fight left in him. That could even mean walking away from the lightweight title.
Abdelaziz Wants Gaethje to Chase the Biggest Fight
Gaethje became the undisputed UFC lightweight champion after winning the division’s biggest prize. He has since confirmed that he plans to take the rest of 2026 off after competing in two title fights.
There has been plenty of speculation about whether Gaethje will return at all. His family has reportedly encouraged him to consider retirement after a long and punishing career.
Abdelaziz, however, told Pound 4 Pound that he expects his fighter to compete again. His preference is for Gaethje to maximize the financial reward from what could be his final appearance.
“If Justin Gaethje is to choose one fight, I only want him to fight one fight and he needs to pick the biggest guy with the biggest check next to him.”
“Doesn’t have to be for the title. It can be for a welterweight title, it can be for a lightweight title, it can be for the BMF title. Whoever is going to give him the most zeroes.”
Islam Makhachev Could Be an Option
The lightweight picture has continued to develop during Gaethje’s planned absence. Arman Tsarukyan is set to face Mauricio Ruffy in September, adding another potential contender to an increasingly crowded division.
Abdelaziz also pointed to a much bigger possibility involving one of his other clients, Islam Makhachev.
The manager believes Gaethje could pursue the matchup with Makhachev even if it requires him to give up the lightweight championship.
“I think if Justin Gaethje chooses to fight Islam, he could get to fight Islam.”
“Why not? And he vacates his lightweight title.”
A fight with Makhachev would give Gaethje another major name and potentially a much larger financial opportunity. It would also allow him to move away from the pressure of making another lightweight title defense if he decides that his next fight will be his last.