Justin Gaethje Reveals 2027 Retirement Plan To Start A Family, Leaving Lightweight Division In Limbo

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, who turns 38 on November 14, revealed that he intends to end his fighting career by 2027 so he can focus on marriage and raising children.

The American superstar finally captured undisputed UFC gold earlier this year by defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.

That victory took place at the White House in June, where Gaethje pulled off a major upset against Topuria.

Yet, five months removed from that career-defining performance, the 155-pound division remains at a complete standstill.

Gaethje has yet to book his first title defense, leaving contenders and UFC executives waiting for clarity.

Instead of preparing for another gruelling training camp, the newly crowned champion is looking toward the exit door of combat sports.

A PERSONAL TIMELINE BEYOND THE OCTAGON

Gaethje’s professional mixed martial arts journey has already spanned a demanding decade and a half.

Throughout those 15 years, the Arizona native established a reputation as one of the most violent and entertaining fighters in combat sports history.

However, the relentless battles inside the cage have taken an undeniable toll on his physical health.

Having finally achieved his lifelong dream of winning the UFC undisputed lightweight belt, Gaethje believes he has little left to prove.

His primary ambitions have now shifted away from the cage and toward his personal life.

Gaethje made his long-term priorities clear when explaining why his fighting days are rapidly drawing to a close.

“I don’t have kids, I’ve never been married, and I’ve been committed to the game since I left high school in 2007,” Gaethje said.

For nearly two decades, every aspect of his daily life has revolved around wrestling mats, striking pads, and recovery sessions.

Now approaching late November and his 38th birthday, Gaethje recognizes that the window to begin a family cannot wait forever.

“I want children, but I don’t want children until I can be what my parents were for me,” he explained.

He wants to ensure he can dedicate his full attention and energy to parenting without the constant stress of professional prize fighting.

“I’m almost done with this ride,” Gaethje confirmed.

“I think definitely by 2027 I will be done, and I will be able to move on to those other parts of my life,” he added.

Reports indicate that Gaethje has entrusted both his family and his management team to help him navigate this concluding chapter.

DANA WHITE WANTS ANSWERS

While Gaethje contemplates fatherhood and retirement, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is eager to schedule its next lightweight championship bout.

UFC CEO Dana White recently addressed the growing uncertainty during an interview with broadcaster Jim Rome.

White expressed clear frustration that the 155-pound title remains inactive while Gaethje pursues outside interests.

According to White, UFC promotional officials have held direct talks with the lightweight champion, but nothing has been signed.

Gaethje has teased retirement ever since his upset win over Topuria in the summer.

In recent months, the champion has spent considerable time away from regular mixed martial arts sparring.

He appeared at Fanatics Fest in New York City, where he participated in fan challenges and WWE-style stage walkouts.

Gaethje even won a featured athletic competition at Fanatics Fest against elite professional athletes, including NFL players.

More recently, Gaethje joined Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy at the 2026 Internet Invitational Golf tournament at Big Cedar Lodge.

Footage of Gaethje celebrating on the golf course with his signature backflip quickly went viral across social media.

White noted that Gaethje seems to be thoroughly enjoying life outside the gym while his division waits.

“He’s in the middle of this golf thing that Portnoy is doing,” White told Rome.

“We’re talking to him, but we’ll figure it out,” White continued.

White warned that the champion cannot stay in limbo forever while holding the undisputed championship.

“He’s gonna have to pull the trigger one way or the other, see if he wants to retire or continue to fight,” White insisted.

SUPERFIGHT DREAMS AND CONTENDER BACKLOGS

The most prominent fight currently on the table for Gaethje is a champ-versus-champ superfight against Alexander Volkanovski.

Volkanovski remains the reigning UFC featherweight champion following his latest successful title defense against Movsar Evloev.

The Australian previously ventured up to lightweight on two occasions against Islam Makhachev, falling short both times.

Despite those prior setbacks, Volkanovski is eager for a third opportunity to capture the 155-pound crown.

White made it very clear to Jim Rome that he fully supports granting Volkanovski another shot at champ-champ status.

“I would pretty much do anything for Alexander Volkanovski at this point in his career,” White told Rome.

“Great guy, great champion, great athlete,” White said of the Australian.

However, White admitted that organizing the superfight depends entirely on Gaethje’s willingness to step into the Octagon.

“The big question is what does Justin Gaethje wanna do?” White asked.

“Justin is coming off this unbelievable win at the White House, and you know he’s an incredible athlete too,” White remarked.

“What does he want to do next?” White added.

Volkanovski is far from the only elite competitor seeking a meeting with Gaethje.