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Justin Gaethje does not expect another fight in 2026. The UFC lightweight champion says both hands still hurt after his title-winning performance at UFC Freedom 250 and that he cannot resume punching yet. Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria by corner stoppage at the White House event in June. More than two months later, the damage from that fight continues to shape his timeline. Justin Gaethje says both hands still hurt after UFC Freedom 250. — joeroganhq (@joeroganhq) August 29, 2026 Gaethje Cannot Punch Yet Asked how life had been since the White House event, Gaethje said the experience was positive but his physical recovery was incomplete. “It has been absolutely incredible. I got to go home and recover a little bit for three weeks. I still can’t punch anything. Both of my hands still hurt from the fight.” That condition is one reason Gaethje is not rushing into a first defense of the undisputed title. “So I’m just gonna enjoy being the champion for the rest of the year, because I fought two times already in the first six months.” Gaethje’s schedule supports that decision. He fought twice in the first half of 2026, ending the second appearance with the biggest championship win of his career. MiddleEasy’s UFC Freedom 250 highlights show how he dropped Topuria before the corner stoppage. No Immediate Topuria Rematch Plan Gaethje did not claim full control over the next opponent. He acknowledged that the UFC will make the booking and said he plans to consult the people closest to him before making a final decision. “Put everything on paper, pros and cons, talk to all my family and everybody that loves me and that I trust to be honest with me, and then I’ll make a decision.” When the discussion turned to an immediate Topuria rematch, Gaethje sounded unconvinced. “Ultimately, the UFC makes the decision on who I’m gonna fight next… I don’t think that’s our next fight. I don’t feel it in my heart, my gut.” The champion’s health update also adds context to the public debate about whether he should continue. Georges St-Pierre urged Gaethje to retire on top, but Gaethje has not announced a retirement. His current message is narrower: heal his hands, enjoy the belt through the end of 2026, and decide what comes next with the UFC and his family. MiddleEasy’s UFC news section will track the booking.