Justin Gaethje has finally revealed what happens next. After a long stretch of silence since UFC 313, when he returned with a win over Rafael Fiziev, fans were left wondering if the former interim champion still had a championship shot in mind. In a latest interview, ‘The Highlight’ has finally confirmed his choice—and it’s a big one. He’s officially prepared to return and has set both a name and a date. So who will he face next? The champion, Islam Makhachev, or any other ranked opponent?
Gaethje did not waste any words when speaking with The Schmo, as the legendary fighter revealed that he wants Islam Makhachev in June. “I’m ready to fight in June,” he stated. “I think Makhachev said he wants to fight in June. I’m hoping I get that call sooner rather than later.” But that’s not all; he also revealed why he is the frontrunner for a title match right now by dropping the brutal condition of other possible names. He said, “Oliveira already lost [to Islam]. Tsarukyan really f—– it up; I don’t think they want to give it to him. I can see them giving it to Topuria. We’ll see what they do.”
So, it is clear that Gaethje views himself as the most reasonable option. After all, the time, rankings, and narrative all align. Team Makhachev doesn’t seem to mind either. Coach Javier Mendez has previously praised the idea, stating, ‘The Highlight’ is the ideal opponent given his name recognition and the fact that Islam has yet to face him. “Fantastic. Then it’s Justin Gaethje. We’ll focus on Justin Gaethje,” Mendez said during an interview with Submission Radio. “That would be, ideally for us, the perfect matchup based on where his standing is and what he’s done. He’s a big, known guy, and Islam hasn’t fought him, so he’s perfect.”
Not just Coach Mendez, even Dana White seemed to agree, citing Gaethje’s top-three rating and claiming his odds of getting the shot are “pretty good.” It’s one of the few lightweight matches that still feels exciting. With International Fight Week in June being one of the UFC’s biggest stages, all signs point to this matchup becoming a reality. Justin Gaethje wants the gold, while Islam Makhachev wants the smoke. The only thing left is an actual contract, but from the outside it appears that everything is already in motion. But while ‘The Highlight’ has revealed who he wants to face next, there is a fight that he wishes to avoid as well.
Justin Gaethje reveals the one fight he wishes to skip
Now that Justin Gaethje has focused his attention on Makhachev and International Fight Week, another potential fight has been discreetly ruled out. Fans expecting a trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier could be disappointed. While Poirier has publicly stated that he would like to fight ‘The Highlight’ in his final bout, the Arizonan has no interest in the rematch. The rivalry may be legendary, but Gaethje believes it has come to an end.
Their two encounters were violent classics: rough, dramatic, and memorable. Both men emerged victorious, one time each, but both also walked away changed. Justin Gaethje is no longer concerned about the legacy he will leave behind. It is about how another fight like that will affect the people around him. “Neither of our families deserves that,” he said, prioritizing the emotional cost of their struggles before any professional benefit.
So, it is clear by now that ‘The Highlight’ appears ready to let the competition continue as is. The score is 1-1, and he sees no reason to prove anything else. Dustin Poirier may want that final big moment, but Gaethje’s attention is elsewhere. His route is clear, and it does not include settling past scores—it is about chasing new ones. And until something drastic changes, the Gaethje-Poirier trilogy will remain in the past. But what do you think? Did Justin Gaethje make the right call here? Let us know in the comments.
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