The UFC Lightweight Division has experienced a number of major changes in recent months, but they have not benefited Justin Gaethje.
After Islam Makhachev had left the lightweight title, Ilia Topuria was linked to Charles Oliveira for the main event of UFC 317 where a new champion would be crowned.
After being overlooked, Gaethje gave a strong ultimatum at the UFC where he claimed that if he didn't get the next shot, he would withdraw from the sport.
This led to some that Gaethje may have suffered in the aftermath of the event after Topuria had shared a face-off with Paddy Pimblett in the Octagon.
Because fans wonder whether this can really be a disappointing end to an incredible career, the former interim light weight champion manager spoke about this.
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Ali Abdelaziz believes that Justin Gaethje will hold on to his guns in retirement if he doesn't get a title shot
In a recent performance on the pound cast of Pound 4 Pound, Ali Abdelaziz has dealt with a number of topics as one of the most prominent managers in sport.
Abdelaziz stated that he can fully understand the frustrations of Justin Gaethje after he feels that he is not being rewarded for helping the UFC.
The promotion clearly thinks high of Gaethje and he has helped them several times recently when he could have chosen not to fight.
He recently agreed to face Rafael Fiziev in a rematch on UFC 313 when his original opponent, then hooker, withdrew due to injury.
Unfortunately for fans who may hope that Gaethje could withdraw his comments about hanging the gloves, Abdelaziz believes that his hunter will adhere to his words.
If someone who knows 'the highlight' very well, he believes that the former BMF champion is not the kind of person to forget what he believes he owes.
“Nobody can say – to Justin Gaethje and I normally don't talk about things in public … I think he is the type of man that wants that. He will run away. Justin Gaethje will run away … The way this guy fights, you never thought this guy has a lot of value and principle. Nothing with Justin Gaethje.”
Kamaru Usman Seconds Ali Abdelaziz's comments about the potential pension of Justin Gaethje
In response to the comments by Ali Abdelaziz, Kamaru Usman expressed a similar sentiment when he was talking about the mentality of Justin Gaethje.
Usman also knows 'the highlight' very well as his old friend and training partner who is again one of Abdelaziz's most talked about hunters.
“I agree, he is one of the most honest and principle guys … and he is now a damn good golfer, I hate to admit that.”
Although we do not know what the next is for Ilia Topuria at the moment, it seems unlikely that Gaethje will get the next chance for the new champion.