UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has taken a playful shot at Justin Gaethje’s physique, questioning the lightweight champion’s condition after his stunning title victory over Ilia Topuria.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, Makhachev revealed that he recently saw Gaethje and jokingly asked why the 37-year-old had gained weight while enjoying his time as champion. He said:
“This guy is not in good shape right now. I saw him last week and said, ‘Why you become fat?’ He’s just enjoying the belt, you know. Too much pizza.”
Check out Islam Makhachev’s comments below:
The comments come as Gaethje enjoys the biggest achievement of his UFC career. He defeated ‘El Matador’ at UFC Freedom 250 in June to become the undisputed lightweight champion, with Topuria’s corner stopping the fight after four rounds.
Justin Gaethje’s title win changed the lightweight picture
Justin Gaethje entered the Ilia Topuria fight at 37 and became the oldest fighter to win the UFC lightweight championship.
The victory completed a remarkable late-career resurgence. ‘The Highlight’ had previously won the interim lightweight title by defeating Paddy Pimblett in January before earning the opportunity to challenge Topuria for the undisputed belt.
His future remains unclear, however. Gaethje’s manager Ali Abdelaziz has suggested that the champion may not return until 2027 unless the UFC presents a sufficiently significant fight.
Makhachev’s comments therefore come at an interesting point for Gaethje, who has reached the top of the division at an age when many fighters are already considering retirement.
Islam Makhachev prepares for Ian Machado Garry
While Justin Gaethje enjoys his championship reign, Islam Makhachev has his own title defense to worry about.
The pound-for-pound king will headline UFC 330 against Ian Machado Garry on August 15 in Philadelphia, defending the welterweight championship he won from Jack Della Maddalena.
Makhachev has moved on from the lightweight division, where he established himself as one of the most dominant champions in UFC history. His upcoming fight with Garry represents another major test as he attempts to establish himself at 170 pounds.
For now, though, Makhachev appears to be keeping one eye on his former division. And if his comments are anything to go by, he believes Gaethje is enjoying his championship lifestyle a little too much.
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