8/31/26
Justin Gaethje is still reeling from his legendary win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, where he won the undisputed lightweight championship. He has already fought twice this year, and both were for belts. He won by unanimous decision over Paddy Pimblet for the interim belt before then defeating Topuria by TKO, which cemented his legacy. Although the fight was in mid-June, Gaethje says that he is still recovering from injuries sustained during the fights. The particular one he continues to reference is his hands. He said that he is still unable to punch anything due to the damage his hands took. He already mentioned that he will be taking the rest of the year off, but now it is even clearer why. Two fights in a year, nine rounds total, and both were wars. He has earned his time to rest, and now, with injuries, he needs to recover physically as well.
For more information, click here: https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/507810/justin-gaethje-still-recovering-from-ufc-white-house-wont-return-until-2027-i-still-cant-punch-anything