Justin Gaethje urged to retire by former champ after UFC Freedom 250

Justin Gaethje has been told by a former UFC champion to consider retiring from mixed martial arts after his showing at UFC Freedom 250 on 12 July 2026.

Gaethje entered UFC Freedom 250 as the co-main event against a top-five contender. He lost by unanimous decision after five rounds, marking his first defeat since March 2023. The fight averaged 2.1 million viewers on ESPN+, making it the most-watched UFC card of the weekend. Post-fight interviews showed Gaethje visibly frustrated, calling the loss “a step back” but vowing to regroup.

The advice came from Daniel Cormier, a former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and two-time Olympic wrestler. Cormier told ESPN on 13 July 2026 that Gaethje’s recent performances suggest it may be time to walk away. “He’s given everything to this sport,” Cormier said. “At 34, the grind catches up. I’d hate to see him break something that can’t be fixed.” Gaethje turns 35 in November 2026.

Gaethje has been a fan favorite since his 2017 UFC debut, known for relentless forward pressure and brutal leg kicks. His 2020-2023 run included wins over Tony Ferguson and Dustin Poirier, plus a Fight of the Year nod against Michael Chandler. But three straight fights without a finish-including the loss to Islam Makhachev in March 2025-have raised questions about his durability. Gaethje’s next contract decision looms in December 2026, with the UFC reportedly offering a three-fight deal at $3.5 million per bout.

Gaethje has not confirmed retirement plans. His team is scheduled to meet with UFC officials on 22 July 2026 to discuss future terms. Sources close to Gaethje say he’s leaning toward one more fight, likely at UFC 310 in January 2027. “I’m not done yet,” Gaethje told reporters after the weigh-ins. “But I’ll listen to my body-and my coaches.”