Justin Gaethje to Sit Out 2026 Due to Injuries

Justin Gaethje has stated that he will not participate in any fights in 2026 as he focuses on recovering from hand injuries incurred during two bouts earlier this year. These fights included a victory over Paddy Pimblett in January and a stoppage win against Ilia Topuria in June.

Gaethje mentioned that he is unable to punch due to the ongoing pain in both hands and plans to enjoy his championship status for the remainder of the year. He indicated that he will consult with family and evaluate his options before making any decisions about his future in the sport.

While Gaethje has expressed a desire to fight again, he is not currently considering an immediate rematch with Topuria, noting that Topuria also has recovery needs following their fight. He acknowledged that the UFC will ultimately decide his next opponent, and given the circumstances, he does not anticipate fighting Topuria next.