Time is running out for UFC superstar Justin Gaethje, and he knows it. The clock is ticking, and the end of his legendary career is near. But before he hangs up his gloves, ‘The Highlight’ has a hit list of opponents he’s determined to face—and this is where it gets controversial. Next weekend, Gaethje will step into the octagon at UFC 324, aiming to reclaim the UFC Lightweight interim championship title in a high-stakes battle against No. 5-ranked Paddy Pimblett. The fight, set for January 24, 2026, at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, could be a defining moment in his legacy—but it’s just the beginning of his final chapter.
Gaethje has been clear: he’s not here to fight for fun. In a recent interview, he declared, ‘UFC owes me a championship fight,’ and he’s willing to walk away if meaningful opportunities don’t come his way. But for now, he’s got unfinished business—and a list of names he’s eager to cross off. Speaking with Jon Anik on Paramount+, Gaethje laid out his post-UFC 324 plans: ‘I’m going to beat Paddy, I’m going to beat Ilia Topuria, and then I gotta get Max Holloway back—I have to.’ But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Gaethje isn’t just targeting Holloway; he’s also eyeing Charles Oliveira, both of whom have defeated him in the past. ‘They both beat me, so I want either one of them,’ he admitted. This isn’t just about winning—it’s about redemption.
And this is the part most people miss: Gaethje’s urgency isn’t just about competition; it’s about time. At 37, he’s acutely aware that his days in the octagon are numbered. ‘Every single one of these is a traumatic life experience,’ he told TNT Sports, reflecting on the emotional highs and lows of his career. ‘It kind of ruins other parts of life, but I’ve never felt more alive than when I go in there.’ His passion is undeniable, but so is the reality of his age and the toll the sport takes on his body.
But here’s the controversial question: Is Gaethje’s hit list a recipe for redemption or a risky gamble? With fighters like Topuria and Holloway in his sights, he’s targeting some of the most dangerous names in the division. Could this be a strategic move to cement his legacy, or is he biting off more than he can chew? And what does this say about the UFC’s lightweight division, where rivalries run deep and every fight could be a fighter’s last?
As Gaethje prepares for UFC 324, one thing is certain: his journey is as much about closure as it is about victory. ‘The end is near,’ he admitted, but he’s not going down without a fight. Will he achieve his goals, or will his ambitious hit list prove to be his downfall? Let us know what you think in the comments—do you think Gaethje’s plan is genius or risky? The conversation starts now.
