Justin Gaethje predicted to retire because of ‘maternal pressure’ after title win by UFC commentator

Jon Anik doesn’t expect to see the UFC lightweight champion entering the Octagon again.

Justin Gaethje finally achieved his dream of capturing the undisputed crown on his third attempt this past June.

Within the essential event of UFC Freedom 250 on the White House, Gaethje finished Ilia Topuria after 4 rounds of brutal motion in Washington, DC.

Talk has already turned to when ‘The Highlight’ may defend the title for the primary time, but not everyone seems to be expecting to see the American fan favorite returning to the cage.

Should Justin Gaethje retire following his undisputed title win?🤔

On his third attempt, Justin Gaethje finally became the undisputed lightweight champion, pulling off one among the largest upsets in combat sports history👏🏼

Jon Anik expects Justin Gaethje to retire in similar fashion to Khabib Nurmagomedov after UFC Freedom 250

After adding the undisputed lightweight title to his MMA résumé, it stays to be seen if Gaethje will look to solidify his status by putting the belt on the road.

Gaethje has shut down rematches with Pimblett and Topuria already, as a substitute describing Arman Tsarukyan because the deserving next in line.

But ‘The Highlight’ has yet to make a choice on his future and whether he could be open to standing opposite the Armenian in early 2027.

United States vp JD Vance revealed during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience that Gaethje’s mother is pushing for him to retire.

And it’s that “maternal pressure” that Jon Anik thinks will ultimately make up the champion’s mind.

“I don’t think Justin Gaethje’s going to fight again,” the UFC commentator said throughout the Anik & Florian Podcast.

“I believe there’s a bit little bit of maternal pressure coming in, you already know? So we’ll see,” he added.

Some will little doubt draw parallels between that and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement in 2020.

‘The Eagle’ promised his mother that he wouldn’t fight again after submitting Gaethje at UFC 254, and he kept that wish by hanging up his gloves during his prime.