Justin Gaethje responds to UFC retirement claims after Khabib loss ‘changed him’

Leaked DMs from one of Justin Gaethje’s teammates appear to suggest the former UFC interim champion has been “discussing retirement” after his 2020 loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov “changed him.”

The DMs appeared to show a conversation between Ryan Charlebois, an MMA fighter and training partner of Gaethje, and a fan, who asked when Gaethje was expected to fight again.

Charlebois responded “I’ve got no idea. I doubt he’s going to fight soon.

“He’s frustrated. UFC is denying him the fights he wants, and he’s been discussing retirement.

“The Khabib loss took a lot out of him. The first few months especially were rough for him at the gym, it’s clear the loss changed him.”

Hours after the DMs were posted on twitter, Gaethje responded and totally denied the claims.

“This is straight BS,” he began.

“I’m far from done chasing that high. I’m also guessing this dude fabricated the whole thing.”

Gaethje, who boasts a professional MMA record of 22-3, faced Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in October last year. The fight was contested at a blisteringly high pace, but early in the second round, Nurmagomedov would land a stunning takedown and very quickly submit Gaethje via triangle choke.

Who would you like to see Justin Gaethje fight next? Let us know in the comments section below.

Following his victory, the Russian would break down in tears in the centre of the octagon over the recent death of his father and coach, Abdulmanap. Shortly after, Nurmagomedov announced that the fight would be his last in the UFC and that he was retiring was MMA.

Despite UFC president Dana White attempting for months to persuade Nurmagomedov to compete one last time, in March White accepted his decision and Nurmagomedov officially vacated the UFC lightweight title.

While Gaethje was widely expected to compete for the newly-vacant title, White instead elected to book Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler, two men who had not fought against Nurmagomedov, for the belt.

With Dustin Poirier fighting Conor McGregor, and most other elite lightweight contenders booked to fight, Gaethje is yet to fight this year and remains without a dance partner going into the busiest part of the UFC calendar.

Whether he will return to the octagon this year remains to be seen.

Source: Read Full Article