Justin Gaethje is nearing a return to motion within the UFC, however possible gained’t combat till someday in 2025.
Whereas no actual date has been revealed but, Gaethje’s longtime supervisor Ali Abdelaziz revealed that the previous “BMF” champion remains to be taking the required time to recuperate from his knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 this previous April earlier than reserving his subsequent combat. Gaethje has all the time been adamant about permitting his mind and physique to heal after a tough combat, which is why followers most likely gained’t see him again in motion this yr.
“Justin Gaethje’s going to combat in March,” Abdelaziz instructed MMA Combating. “Towards who, I do not know.”
Arguably essentially the most thrilling fighter within the UFC, Gaethje appears to discover a method to make all of his appearances entertaining, which is why he’s by no means been choosy with regards to a listing of potential opponents.
Abdelaziz admitted there are just a few names on the high of the record, however Gaethje has by no means shied away from anyone the UFC has provided him prior to now and that’s extremely unlikely to vary now.
“It may be [Dan] Hooker. It may be Dustin Poirier. It may be [Renato] Moicano,” Abdelaziz mentioned. “No matter it’s. I don’t know however I want to see Justin combat in March. He wants somewhat little bit of time to recuperate after his final combat. He deserves that.”
Following a surprising knockout of Dustin Poirier in July 2023, Gaethje returned with a marquee combat booked in opposition to Holloway at UFC 300 in April.
Sadly for Gaethje, that combat didn’t go his manner after he suffered a brutal damaged nostril within the first spherical when Holloway caught him with a wonderfully timed spin kick. Ultimately, Gaethje battled it out with Holloway till the ultimate second when he threw down with the previous featherweight champion in a wild alternate that noticed Holloway catch Gaethje with a punch that ended his night time at 4:59 within the fifth spherical.
Now, as Gaethje seems to bounce again and return to the win column, Abdelaziz says he’s completely satisfied to combat whoever the UFC throws at him as soon as he’s able to combat.
“I believe he’ll be prepared in March to combat,” Abdelaziz mentioned. “Towards who? Justin Gaethje doesn’t choose opponents.”