Gilbert Burns lends support to Justin Gaethje amid criticism over potential MMA retirement

Justin Gaethje has found support from a fellow UFC veteran, namely one-time UFC welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns. 

The two fighters long shared a rather prominent link, being managed by Ali Abdelaziz. Additionally, both Burns and Gaethje share the commonality of being crafty veterans in the sport of MMA. 

The air of mystery surrounding Justin Gaethje's MMA and UFC future

Justin Gaethje has long been a staple of the UFC's lightweight division, having been a two-time interim UFC titleholder at the weight class. The American is also a former BMF champion, having famously knocked out Dustin Poirier in their rematch to win that belt. 

Gaethje has competed thrice in undisputed UFC lightweight championship matchups in his career, losing the first two times. "The Highlight" was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020 and by Charles Oliveira in 2022. He also dropped the BMF belt in a KO loss against Max Holloway back in 2024, who in turn lost it in a rematch against Oliveira. 

Coming to the here and now, Gaethje finds himself to be the ruler of the UFC 155-pound division. His most recent Octagon appearance saw him hand MMA superstar Ilia Topuria his first defeat in the sport. He bested Topuria via fourth-round TKO to finally capture the undisputed UFC lightweight championship in June. 

Nevertheless, Gaethje has since been ambiguous in his stance about whether or not he wants to defend his UFC lightweight belt and even continue his MMA career. He's time and again alluded to his MMA retirement. The 37-year-old has, as such, faced considerable criticism, with many detractors accusing him of holding up the UFC lightweight division. 

Justin Gaethje finds support from ex-UFC welterweight Gilbert Burns amid criticism

The combat sports community appears to be divided in its opinion about Justin Gaethje's uncertainty regarding his future. On one hand, top contenders such as Arman Tsarukyan have advised him to retire, with a number of critics calling for Gaethje to make a clear decision now that he's had a few months away from competition since his last fight. 

Moreover, former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Ilia Topuria recently entered the fray and lambasted Gaethje as well as his manager Ali Abdelaziz. Topuria went as far as alleging that Gaethje used loaded gloves in their fight to unfairly inflict damage and defeat him. In the meantime, Gaethje's stated that he's dealing with a few injures and contemplating his future. 

That said, Gaethje has also found support from several quarters, as they've underlined that he's long faced the who's who of the sport and deserves a well-earned hiatus before he makes the big decision about potential MMA retirement. 

Gilbert Burns -- who's been working toward achieving success as a fighter manager and also recently showcased his grappling talents in the RAF -- has now come out in support of Gaethje. 

Listing Gaethje's accolades, he indicated that the UFC lightweight kingpin has nothing left to prove in the sport. Burns wrote: 

"The real question is if you were Justin Gaethje! Interim champion BMF champion Undisputed champion in the White House Many bonuses, would you ever fight again?" 

The real question is if you were Justin Gaethje! Interim champion BMF champion Undisputed champion in the White House Many bonuses, would you ever fight again?

— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) September 25, 2026