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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 02: Justin Gaethje reacts after being defeated by Eddie Alvarez in their lightweight bout during the UFC 218 event inside Little Caesars Arena on December 02, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 02: Justin Gaethje reacts after being defeated by Eddie Alvarez in their lightweight bout during the UFC 218 event inside Little Caesars Arena on December 02, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Former interim UFC lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje, hasn’t fought since his UFC 254 defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov. ‘The Highlight’ had his first shot at the UFC gold. However, he couldn’t make the most of his opportunity as Nurmagomedov managed to earn a second-round submission win.
Gaethje has been rumored to fight many of the big names of the 155 lbs division of the UFC since. But he hasn’t made the return to the Octagon yet. A teammate of his at the Elevation Fighting Team gym recently revealed that ‘The Highlight’ might even retire from the sport.

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 07: (L-R) Justin Gaethje celebrates after defeating Michael Johnson in their lightweight bout during The Ultimate Fighter Finale at T-Mobile Arena on July 7, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
This was very strange news, to say the least, and it caught Gaethje’s attention, and he took to Twitter to respond to those claims. He firmly denied the report.
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“This is straight BS. I’m far from done from chasing that high. I’m also guessing this dude fabricated this entire thing,” wrote Gaethje. He even thinks the claim of him retiring was fabricated.
This is straight BS. I’m far from done from chasing that high. I’m also guessing this dude fabricated this entire thing 😂 https://t.co/NVccYeRH0l
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) June 15, 2021
It would be very surprising to see a fighter like Gaethje retire at the peak of his career. Also, the fact that he is among the elites of the UFC’s lightweight division and is knocking on the door for a title shot also makes the rumors unfeasible.
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Who should Justin Gaethje fight when he returns to the Octagon?
The options are plenty for Gaethje when he actually makes a return to the Octagon. Many have touted recent title challenger. Michael Chandler to be his potential next opponent. A fight between him and ‘Iron’ is a very exciting prospect for the fans.

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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 02: (L-R) Justin Gaethje punches Eddie Alvarez in their lightweight bout during the UFC 218 event inside Little Caesars Arena on December 02, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The lightweight division of the UFC is stacked at the moment. Gaethje is only going to get big-name opponents when he indeed makes a return to the Octagon. And given his body of work throughout his career in the UFC, he is probably one or two big wins away from fighting for the belt yet again.
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