Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will fight for the UFC interim lightweight title at UFC 324 later this month amid Ilia Topuria’s ongoing hiatus. Gaethje and Pimblett earned interim title shots over top contender Arman Tsarukyan and others, and will usher in the UFC’s new broadcast partnership with Paramount+ in style.
Gaethje returned to the lightweight title mix when he defeated Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 last year, following a brutal knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300. Following the loss, many fans speculated that Gaethje could be in the final stages of his career.
That sentiment was seemingly echoed by Gaethje’s old coach ahead of UFC 324.
Trevor Wittman: Justin Gaethje retires with loss at UFC 324
In a recent interview with ESPNGaethje’s longtime coach Trevor Wittman didn’t hesitate to hint at what would happen with a loss at UFC 324.
“I’m not afraid to say it out loud – this is our last run,” Wittman said of Gaethje.
“If we don’t win this fight, we’re not going to continue. We’re not going to go out there and be a gatekeeper and watch money fights and things like that. Justin would argue again and again, but he knows he has to be there for his family, he has to be smart and take care of his health.”
“But if we win this title, my goal to the moon would be: let’s go and [do] Repeat defense,” Wittman continued. “We’re not the champions yet, so we’ll have to get that belt next.”
At the time of writing, Gaethje has not spoken about his future beyond UFC 324. Depending on how the fight plays out, Gaethje could drop the gloves in the Octagon after his match with Pimblett.
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