Following his knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, Justin Gaethje has determined that he requires a substantial recovery period. The 35-year-old fighter emphasizes the importance of prioritizing his health and well-being, stating that “it would be foolish for [him] to jump back into training any time before 180 days.” Gaethje acknowledges that he can engage in cardiovascular activities and maintain his fitness level, but any physical contact involving taking shots will be limited for the foreseeable future.
Gaethje acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the lightweight division and remains open to the possibility of facing the winner of the upcoming title fight between Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier. He recognizes that both Poirier and Gaethje have unsuccessfully challenged for the undisputed lightweight title twice, fostering a sense of familiarity and rivalry between them.
“It’s a crazy game,” Gaethje remarked. “We’ll see how that Dustin [and] Makhachev fight goes. Crazy game.”
Despite the setback, Gaethje remains determined to return to the octagon and showcase his elite fighting skills. He is committed to taking the necessary time to heal and recover fully before resuming his pursuit of the lightweight title.
