Justin Gaethje’s upcoming interim UFC lightweight title fight against Paddy Pimblett could be his last if he loses. According to Chael Sonnen, a defeat to Pimblett in the UFC 324 headliner could push Gaethje into retirement.
Gaethje now stands at a critical crossroads in his career. He faces a younger contender, and a loss would send him at the back of the lightweight title line.
As the division continues to evolve and younger contenders surge forward, Gaethje may walk away from the sport. His bout against Pimblett marks his second interim title fight, and with a win would secure his third undisputed title shot. If he falls short, this could represent his final opportunity, given he is 37-years-old.
During an appearance on The Bohnfire with Mike Bohn, Sonnen explained why UFC 324 could mark Gaethje’s final fight. The former UFC title challenger said ‘The Highlight’ would have little motivation to continue competing if he loses to Pimblett.
“Gaethje could get more fights but I don’t know if he would want that. He is a true competitor, he wants to be champion. That’s what this whole thing’s about,” Sonnen said. “The press conferences and telling the story, and ‘Why are we here?’ I need that as a fan. I’ve seen enough cage fights. I need to know, ‘Why are we here [and] why does this matter?'”
Chael Sonnen Believes Justin Gaethje is Hinting at Retirement
Chael Sonnen also suggested that Justin Gaethje has already hinted at retirement ahead of UFC 324. Before receiving the interim lightweight title fight, Gaethje was vocal that he would retire if he was passed over.
Now that he received a title opportunity, Gaethje has added urgency to his approach to oddsmakers wrong. Gaethje outlined ambitious future plans should he defeat Pimblett on Saturday.
Despite that, Sonnen believes the end may be near for Gaethje based on patterns he has observed with other fighters.
“I’m going to say yes, I think [Gaethje] puts the gloves down [if he loses to Pimblett at UFC 324]. And that concerns me,” Sonnen told The Bohnfire with Mike Bohn. “When a guy starts talking that way, historically speaking, it doesn’t go their way but not every time. You do have to wonder, why he is speaking that way.”
He added:
“Sometimes the athlete has to put themselves in a position of urgency. I think that’s what Justin’s doing, or at least attempting to do.”
Sonnen Explains Gaethje’s Mindset
Sonnen also shared his thoughts on Gaethje’s mindset heading into his fight with Pimblett. He explained that once an elite contender can no longer realistically pursue a UFC title, they often walk away.
Gaethje has competed at the highest level and remained a fixture near the top of the lightweight division for years. Sonnen said that if ‘The Highlight’ fails to capture the interim lightweight title, there would be little incentive to continue.
“This is cutthroat but it’s a cutthroat business. I really like Justin, I like to be respectful when I speak of Justin. There would be no reason to fight anymore [if he loses],” Sonnen told The Bohnfire with Mike Bohn. “The UFC is for people who are champions or are future champions, at least in theory. There are exceptions but once you prove, ‘I no longer qualify as that, I for sure am not going to be champion,’ in theory your time is done.”
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