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Justin Gaethje could soon walk away from the octagon if the UFC denies him a lightweight title shot. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, said Gaethje feels strongly about his future in fighting. The warning comes as rumors link another contender to current champion Ilia Topuria. Gaethje has built an impressive UFC resume. He was a former BMF title holder, became an interim lightweight champion, and stayed near the top of the division. Since Topuria captured the title, Paddy Pimblett has been linked to a potential title shot. Topuria and Pimblett share animosity and had a heated exchange at UFC 317. Abdelaziz understands that from a business perspective, but insists his client will not tolerate being slighted. “Justin Gaethje never breaks his word,” Abdelaziz said during an interview with 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.” He continued by questioning Pimblett’s competition during his winning streak: “I got nothing against [Pimblett]. He’s great, he’s entertaining. His last opponents are 0-13.” Ali Abdelaziz Says UFC Should Honor Justin Gaethje’s Ranking Ali Abdelaziz also discussed the current UFC lightweight rankings and believes they should honor them. He argued that Gaethje’s position should guarantee him the next title shot over Pimblett. According to the latest UFC lightweight rankings, Gaethje holds the No. 5 spot, while Pimblett sits at No. 6. The fighters ranked above ‘The Highlight’ already have bouts scheduled or rumored to be in negotiations for one. That leaves him as the top available contender without a fight booked. “In the rankings, [Gaethje] is ahead of [Pimblett]. [Gaethje] keeps giving UFC favors after favors,” Abdelaziz told Submission Radio. “What [has Pimblett] done in the UFC to deserve a shot over [Gaethje]? If it’s pure entertainment, okay, give it to him. If it’s pure merit, it’s Justin Gaethje.” Abdelaziz makes a strong case. Gaethje’s resume, ranking, and recent performance support his claim. He is a fighter that always delivers exciting fights and could be an ideal opponent for Topuria’s first lightweight title defense. Abdelaziz Names Only Fighter Who Can Pass Over Gaethje for Title Shot The lightweight division remains stacked with talent. It went through an exciting shake up this year, with former champion Islam Makhachev moving up to welterweight. Meanwhile, Topuria and current BMF title holder Max Holloway moved up from featherweight to lightweight permanently. There’s no shortage of elite lightweights worthy of a title shot and who can pose a challenge for Topuria. However, Abdelaziz believes only one fighter ranks above Gaethje in terms of merit. “The only guy if you give a title shot over Gaethje is Arman [Tsarukyan],” Abdelaziz told Submission Radio. “I will not say anything, but if anyone else gets a title shot over [Gaethje], it will be unfair.” Tsarukyan, currently ranked No. 2, will face Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar. A dominant win could strengthen his claim. He was forced to withdraw on the day before his previous title opportunity against Makhachev. Now, he’s working to earn back the UFC‘s trust and another title shot. Abdelaziz still maintains that his client deserves the next title shot unless Tsarukyan earns it instead.
