Justin Gaethje is well aware of his combat sports mortality.
“The Highlight” has another huge fight ahead of him when he takes on Paddy Pimblett for an interim lightweight title in the main event of UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas next Saturday. At 37, Gaethje has already authored a career for the ages, but there is a sense of finality to this upcoming contest as a loss as it could send him to the back of the contender line for good.
He admitted as much in an interview with TNT Sports after being asked if he’s put much thought into retirement.
“No, but it’s not the beginning,” Gaethje said. “I’m 37 years old. I’d be a fool to think that we’re just getting started here. The end is near.”
One way or another, Gaethje and his team got their wish.
“I definitely got what I asked for,” Gaethje said. “It was more my manager put me in that – I mean, I probably said it, but you know, we’re emotional beings and we’re petty. You don’t get to where I’m at or where these fighters are at without being petty. I take things personal and I thought I had earned something and so I was trying to stand up.”
Gaethje has earned numerous accolades during his eight-year UFC run, including nine Fight of the Night awards and the “BMF” belt. He also previously won an interim title when he defeated Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 in May 2020.
That belt doesn’t add much extra significance to the bout for Gaethje – most importantly, it’s increased his pay – though he is keeping everything in perspective as he nears the end of his career.
“Every single one of these is a traumatic life experience,” Gaethje said. “There’s no matching the high or the low of winning or losing this sport. It kind of ruined other parts of life, but no, I am so hungry and I’ve never felt more alive than when I go in there. I will miss it when it’s gone. I think I truly love it more than most.”
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