Justin Gaethje names price for BKFC switch that his mother would hate when ‘all else fails’

TL;DR

Justin Gaethje states that a significant financial offer would be required for him to switch to bare-knuckle boxing. His coach mentioned retirement was a possibility if Gaethje lost his recent title fight.

Key points

Justin Gaethje requires a big financial offer for BKFC switch
Gaethje's coach considered retirement after a potential loss
Concerns about Gaethje's chances against Ilia Topuria

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Justin Gaethje says it would take a big financial offer to get him into bare-knuckle boxing.

Gaethje’s coach said he would have retired if he suffered a loss in the interim lightweight title fight that headlined the first UFC event of the year.

Despite winning the belt, some aren’t optimistic about Gaethje’s chances of unifying the titles in a huge clash with Ilia Topuria at the White House in June.

If this is to be the last dance of ‘The Highlight’, it would take a lot of convincing to get him to continue fighting away from the Octagon.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Justin Gaethje says it would take $10 million to get him to fight in BKFC

Justin Gaethje has picked up 15 post-fight bonuses in 15 UFC appearances, which is as strong a case for being the most exciting fighter in the sport as you’ll find.

Bare-knuckle boxing isn’t for everyone at the top level, but his approach looks made for it. There’s always been a certain madness to the way he fights, and that translates well to BKFC.

The question of what it would take for him to consider making the jump came up while he was at BKFC 88 in Denver on Friday night.

“Oh my god, I think my mom would kill me honestly,” he replied in a clip posted by BKFC. “I’m a wrestler so when all else fails, I should go to wrestling even though you guys are all going to think and know that’s a f—— lie but… 10 million.”

Gaethje also said after winning the interim belt that he expects to retire by mid-2027.

A heavy knockout loss like the one against Max Holloway could push him out sooner, but even if things go his way on June 14, he hasn’t ruled out stepping away from fighting.

“I would never state publicly that I’d be done after that but that would be a fight where if I accomplish that, if I am successful, then it would not be a dumb idea to not do it again.”

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Q&A

What financial offer would Justin Gaethje consider for a BKFC switch?

Justin Gaethje has not specified an exact amount but indicated it would need to be a substantial financial offer.

Why did Justin Gaethje's coach consider retirement?

Gaethje's coach mentioned he would have retired if Gaethje had lost the interim lightweight title fight.

What are Justin Gaethje's chances against Ilia Topuria?

Some analysts are not optimistic about Gaethje's chances of unifying the titles against Ilia Topuria in their upcoming clash.