“The Highlight” knows the clock is ticking.
And he knows exactly who he wants next.
Speaking with Jon Anik on Paramount+, Gaethje was asked whether he sees himself having over or under two fights left in his career.
“Once I get this belt, I’m not going to stop,” Gaethje said. “I’m going to beat Paddy, I’m going to beat Ilia [Topuria], and then I gotta get Max [Holloway] back — I have to. I need him to beat Charles [Oliveira]. Well, actually it doesn’t matter because they both beat me, so I want either one of them. Those are the only two guys I have the opportunity to get back right now. That’s what I’m shooting for.”
Despite his confidence, Gaethje understands he’s operating on borrowed time and is far closer to retirement than a long-term title reign.
“Every single one of these is a traumatic life experience,” Gaethje told TNT Sports recently. “There’s no matching the high or the low of winning or losing in this sport. It kind of ruins other parts of life. But I’m 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.”
“This isn’t the beginning,” Gaethje concluded. “I’m 37 years old. I’d be a fool to think we’re just getting started here. The end is near.”