Justin Gaethje recently dismissed the idea of fighting Paddy Pimblett rather than receiving a UFC lightweight title shot. He questioned why the promotion would match him with Pimblett, emphasizing their vastly different resumes.
Speculation about a potential Gaethje vs. Pimblett fight began after The Baddy’s win over Michael Chandler. The Englishman further stirred things up by facing off with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, which gained plenty of buzz on social media.
Gaethje wasn’t too pleased about it, as he believes he is more worthy of the title shot. During a recent conversation with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, he disputed a potential fight against Pimblett, primarily due to their ranking.
Gaethje criticized the idea of the UFC matchmaking based on hype rather than honoring their merit-based ranking system. He doesn’t believe fighting No.9 ranked Pimblett makes any sense to him, considering The Baddy would have more to gain.
“If that’s the route that they want me to take, then I don’t believe [the UFC needs] me anymore,” Gaethje said. “If their algorithm and math tell them just to use me until I get beat, then I’m going to have to really reevaluate what I’m doing here because I’ve signed up for a merit-based system. I have lived by that.”
“If they want me to take that route [Paddy], then I don’t believe they need me anymore. The champion was calling me to fight, they vacated the belt and gave the fight to a guy who was 2-2. So if their algorithm
Justin Gaethje Says he is Most Deserving of Title Shot
Gaethje also took aim at Arman Tsarukyan and said he believes he is more deserving of a title shot. The Highlight is currently ranked No.5 in the latest updated rankings after UFC 318, while Tsarukyan is ranked No.2.
It’s important to note that former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is still ranked No.1. Makhachev moved up to welterweight, so he will likely be removed once his fight against Jack Della Maddalena is announced.
Gaethje believes that his recent performances and track record of being reliable for the promotion should be taken into account. He said that he did the UFC a favor when he fought Max Holloway at UFC 300.
Gaethje criticized Tsarukyan for withdrawing from his scheduled title fight against Makhachev. He believes that should disqualify him from making a case for jumping the line and earning an immediate title shot:
“I had the fight, but I took another fight for [the UFC]. [Tsarukyan] had the fight, but pulled out because his back hurt,” Gaethje said. “So, for me to get put in the same position as him, then no, I’m going to be upset about that.”
Justin Gaethje Outlines Ideal Retirement from UFC
Gaethje also revealed how he envisions the end of his UFC career and how many fights he could have left. If he gets the matchups he wants, his retirement from the sport will come after two fights.
Gaethje said he is focused and determined to retire as a champion and already has two final opponents in mind. He hopes to fight Topuria for the lightweight championship this year. After that, The Highlight wants to defend the title against Holloway and avenge his knockout loss.
If he gets his wish, Gaethje envisions that he will retire as the BMF and lightweight champion next July:
“If it happens, I will believe this is a simulation. But, I beat Topuria this year, defend it against Holloway on the White House lawn, and retire with the BMF and [lightweight] championship.”
Justin Gaethje Scoffs at Potential Paddy Pimblett Matchup