Overview

• Justin Gaethje told ESPN he would not fight Paddy Pimblett and argued that his No. 3 ranking and recent victories merit an immediate title shot.
• Gaethje warned he will consider leaving the UFC or retiring if he is forced into what he called a non-merit matchup instead of challenging champion Ilia Topuria.
• UFC President Dana White responded by saying Gaethje should retire if he truly plans to walk away, underscoring tensions between the fighter and the promotion.
• UFC analysts Chael Sonnen and Michael Bisping have publicly doubted that Gaethje will secure the next title opportunity over other contenders.
• The UFC has yet to announce Gaethje’s next fight, leaving the lightweight division’s challenger order unresolved following Ilia Topuria’s championship win.