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UFC lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje won’t be returning sooner than expected, as he still hasn’t fully healed from his last outing.

Gaethje emerged victorious over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 to capture undisputed lightweight gold, but he didn’t walk away unscathed. “The Highlight” suffered injuries to both his hands, and he initially didn’t see a chance he’d compete again in 2026.

In a fresh update, Gaethje told Sports Illustrated that his status remains unchanged. The lightweight champion still can’t make full contact, but he’s satisfied with wrapping up 2026 in terms of prizefighting (via MMAFighting).

“I still can’t punch anything,” Gaethje said. “Both of my hands are still hurt from the fight so I’m just going to enjoy being the champion for the rest of the year because I fought two times already in the first six months.

“Put everything on paper, pros and cons, talk to my family and everybody that loves me to be honest with me and then I’ll make a decision.”

Arman Tsarukyan’s team told Ariel Helwani that a win over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on Sept. 19 would guarantee “Batman” a title shot against Gaethje. If that’s the case, then Tsarukyan would have to wait things out a bit, but he may not have an issue with that given that he’s been busy outside of the UFC banner with his freestyle wrestling matches and other ventures.

Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway are also options, and they both have finishing wins over Gaethje. Oliveira would be ahead of Holloway on the pecking order given that he defeated “Blessed” back in March. Gaethje has said he’d like a chance to get revenge on both Oliveira and Holloway.

With Justin Gaethje out until 2027, do you think there’s any chance an interim lightweight title fight is booked, or should UFC simply wait for “The Highlight” to fully heal? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM