Justin Gaethje leaves the cage with the champion's belt over his shoulder after defeating Ilia Topuria in the UFC Freedom 250 lightweight title fight on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 15. [Getty Images]
Justin Gaethje leaves the cage with the champion's belt over his shoulder after defeating Ilia Topuria in the UFC Freedom 250 lightweight title fight on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 15. [Getty Images]

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje (37, United States) has given a lukewarm response to Paddy Pimblett, who has been floated as a potential opponent for his first title defense.

Gaethje claimed the first UFC belt of his career with an upset victory over Ilia Topuria at the UFC's White House event last month and is in no rush. Shortly after being crowned champion, he announced plans to take a rest of at least six months, recover from the physical toll of his grueling fights, savor his time as champion, and not hold his first title defense until early next year.

In the meantime, the contender rankings are gradually taking shape. Topuria, who lost his title to Gaethje, currently sits at No. 1 in the lightweight rankings. Arman Tsarukyan is second, Charles Oliveira third, and Max Holloway — who defeated Conor McGregor at welterweight — fourth. Pimblett, who fought Gaethje in an interim title bout, is ranked fifth.

Of those contenders, Pimblett has been the most vocal in staking his claim. Despite losing a unanimous decision to Gaethje in January, he submitted Benoit Saint Denis with a modified front choke known as the "Peruvian Tie" just 52 seconds into the first round at UFC 329 on Sunday.

The finish also earned him a $100,000 performance bonus, and he wasted no time calling for a rematch with Gaethje. "A lot of people were saying I was completely finished because I lost to Justin Gaethje," Pimblett said in a post-fight interview. "I can go and batter Ilia Topuria in my next fight, and I can have a rematch with Justin Gaethje."

Paddy Pimblett (left) applies a modified front choke to Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 on Sunday. The submission rendered Saint Denis unconscious and gave Pimblett the victory. [Getty Images]
Paddy Pimblett (left) applies a modified front choke to Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 on Sunday. The submission rendered Saint Denis unconscious and gave Pimblett the victory. [Getty Images]

Gaethje, unhurried about his next fight, has responded coolly to Pimblett's overtures. Appearing Thursday on the show hosted by Pat McAfee, the well-known broadcaster and former NFL player, Gaethje said, "It's not our destiny to fight again," making clear he has no interest in a rematch — a stark contrast to Pimblett's position.

A rematch with the crowd-pleasing Pimblett is undoubtedly the card many fans and the UFC would prefer. But Gaethje appears to have concluded that a second fight against an opponent he beat just six months ago holds little appeal when the only narrative on offer is the rematch itself.

Gaethje's rise to the title was dramatic. He captured the first UFC belt of his career in the twilight of a fighting career shadowed by calls for him to retire. Some experts continue to advise him to do just that, arguing that relinquishing the title as champion would be a fitting end to his legacy.

Gaethje is set to fight again next year, but he is well aware that retirement is drawing near. With only a handful of appearances likely left, who he faces in his first title defense is a question fans will be watching closely.


yjc@heraldcorp.com