Justin Gaethje Reveals Whether Or Not He's Close To Retirement Ahead Of UFC 291

Gaethje discusses retirement, and if it looms for him.

Justin Gaethje has made his answer clear on the retirement talk.

Gaethje had fight fans wondering if he was close to calling it a career after his impressive showing against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286 back in March. During the post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, Gaethje said he's making one last run at the UFC Lightweight Championship and that he wouldn't be around the fight game much longer.

In the days following UFC 286, Gaethje clarified his comments. "The Highlight" said he planned to retire when it was the right time, but that moment won't be happening right now.

(via Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports)

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Gaethje is set to return to the Octagon this Saturday night (July 29) at UFC 291. He'll take on Dustin Poirier in a rematch for the symbolic BMF Championship.

When asked about his fighting future beyond this weekend on ESPN's SportsCenter, Justin Gaethje revealed whether or not retirement is on the table.

"We all have a timeline," Gaethje said. "I'm not at the beginning of the timeline, but I'm certainly not at the end of the timeline. I think I'm just reaching the level where I'm performing the best that I've ever performed and I think that comes with the wisdom that I've gained through these fights. I love this game, I do not see myself leaving anytime soon. I surround myself with people that love me, my parents, my coaches, and I know that they're all willing to have that conversation when that conversation needs to be had, and I trust those people with my life."

Gaethje vs. Poirier 2 will headline UFC 291. The two first met back in 2018, and it was Poirier who scored the TKO win. Gaethje hopes to avenge that loss and potentially score another UFC title fight in the process.

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