Justin Gaethje says he doesn't "need to fight", talks potential UFC's title defense against Arman Tsarukyan

Justin Gaethje has suggested that he doesn't need to continue his professional MMA career. Additionally, the veteran American athlete has hit back at the growing calls from fans and experts for him to face Arman Tsarukyan. 

Justin Gaethje believes he doesn't need to fight anymore, has proven all he wants in MMA

In an appearance on the Flagrant podcast, Justin Gaethje opened up on various topics, including the rumors regarding his possible retirement from the sport of mixed martial arts. Gaethje -- a two-time interim UFC lightweight champion and ex-BMF titleholder -- finally captured an undisputed UFC title back in June. 

"The Highlight" became the first to beat the great Ilia Topuria in MMA, stopping the Georgian-Spaniard via fourth-round TKO in a back-and-forth fight at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in Washington. He thereby won the undisputed UFC lightweight title and still reigns as the division's ruler, albeit he's hinted that he may not defend the title and would probably retire. 

When asked about it on the podcast, Gaethje remained noncommittal, saying, "Who knows? I don't need to (fight in MMA)." 

When asked about fighting Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje admits he hasn’t even decided if he’ll fight again. 👀‼️ "Who knows, I don't need to " Via @Flagrant2Army https://t.co/2p3NxXQcC0

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 23, 2026

UFC lightweight champ Justin Gaethje reiterates interest in facing Conor McGregor, not opposed to potentially fighting Arman Tsarukyan

Justin Gaethje explained that he's competed in MMA since 2008. His amateur MMA debut came in 2008; pro MMA debut in 2011. Gaethje underscored that he's given a lot of himself to the sport and would like to exit it as healthy as possible. He said, "I do not feel like I have anything left to prove... I'm 37 years old." 

Nevertheless, the striking savant indicated that he also believes his latest fight was the best he's ever performed, so he's torn about whether to continue or retire. Gaethje implied that he has his faculties about him, his lengthy career notwithstanding, and would love to keep them intact. 

Reaffirming that he doesn't have anything to prove in the sport of MMA, he yet again expressed interest in fighting longtime rival and fellow veteran fighter, former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor. Gaethje said, "Conor McGregor has one fight left on his (UFC) contract... That'll be fun." 

Presently, McGregor is on a knee injury-induced hiatus, having suffered damage to his right leg in his rematch against Max Holloway, a welterweight matchup that headlined UFC 329 in July. 

Clarifying that he isn't opposed to defending the lightweight belt against Arman Tsarukyan, Gaethje noted, "It's not that I don't wanna fight Arman. It really isn't. It's that -- if he's the next in line, if and when I defend this championship, that'll be who I'll fight." 

Furthermore, Gaethje claimed to be dealing with injuries that he's yet to fully recover from, in addition to emphasizing that he's taking the rest of the year off and could fight in 2027. He affirmed, "Right now, I have a deep bruise in my knee. I still can't punch through my hand." 

Watch Justin Gaethje discuss retirement talks, an expected clash against Arman Tsarukyan, and more below (*comments at the 2:08:00-minute mark of the video):