Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Justin Gaethje Never Breaks His Word” – Ali Abdelaziz Says Gaethje Will Retire if Paddy Pimblett Gets Ilia Topuria Title Shot Instead

Ali Abdelaziz says Gaethje will retire if Paddy Pimblett gets Topuria title shot

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Ali Abdelaziz isn’t mincing words when it comes to Justin Gaethje’s next move. The veteran manager has confirmed that Gaethje will retire from MMA if the UFC bypasses him for the next lightweight title shot against champion Ilia Topuria. While no official announcement has been made for Topuria’s first title defense, Abdelaziz insists his fighter’s patience is running out and that his word should not be taken lightly.

“Justin Gaethje never breaks his word,” Abdelaziz told Submission Radio. “If he gets jumped by Paddy, he will retire, and he will never fight again in the UFC. I truly believe that, but the UFC is a business. Paddy, I got nothing against him. He’s great, he’s entertaining, but his last three opponents are 0-13.”

Ali Abdelaziz thinks the UFC could be waiting for the outcome of JDM/Islam before booking Topuria but confirms if Justin Gaethje ends up getting snubbed for Paddy Pimblett he will definitely retire!

“Gaethje never break his word. If he gets jumped by Paddy, he will retire.” pic.twitter.com/akdp79RIKB
— Submission Radio (@SubmissionRadio) November 3, 2025

Abdelaziz Defends Justin Gaethje’s Merit

Abdelaziz made it clear that Gaethje deserves the next title shot based on rankings and resume, not popularity. “In the rankings Justin Gaethje is ahead of him,” he said. “Justin keeps giving the UFC favors after favors. What has Paddy Pimblett done to deserve a shot over Justin Gaethje? If it’s pure entertainment, OK, give it to him. If it’s pure merit, it’s Justin Gaethje.”

The manager did concede that the only fighter who could justifiably leapfrog Gaethje for a title shot is Arman Tsarukyan. “The only guy to get a title shot over Gaethje is Arman,” Abdelaziz said. “But if anyone else gets a title shot over Justin Gaethje, it will be unfair.”

It's title fight or bust for Justin Gaethje 👀 pic.twitter.com/T469uIiHtV
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) November 3, 2025

Gaethje (26-5) has already challenged for the undisputed lightweight title twice, losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, but his competitive spirit remains unbroken. After years of highlight-reel wars and crowd-pleasing performances, he wants one more shot at the gold, or none at all.

My next fight… pic.twitter.com/wqW8HEICfc
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) October 24, 2025

UFC President Dana White, known for brushing off fighter ultimatums, hasn’t shown much concern over Gaethje’s retirement threat. Still, given what “The Highlight” has contributed to the promotion, from epic brawls to title eliminators, it’s easy to understand Abdelaziz’s frustration. All in all, for Gaethje, it’s more about respect and legacy. If Paddy Pimblett leapfrogs him for Topuria’s first title defense, the Octagon may see one of its most electrifying fighters step away.

Mandatory Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Ali Abdelaziz

Ilia Topuria

Justin Gaethje

Paddy Pimblett

Rudra Dubey

nfl

mma

I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.