Former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has stated that he will end his MMA career if he encounters a knockout defeat similar to his bout with Max Holloway at UFC 300. Gaethje, who has been inactive since the setback in April, is preparing for his comeback in the lightweight division. He is eager to compete against Dan Hooker, Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, and Alexander Volkanovski as part of his resurgence towards championship contention.
Gaethje stressed that another devastating knockout, akin to the Holloway fight, would lead him to retire from competitive sports. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about his future in the UFC and believes he is still a strong contender for the title. Recognizing the unpredictable nature of the sport, he highlighted how rapidly circumstances can shift, citing Poirier’s trajectory from a defeat to a title opportunity.
