Listen, let’s cut the nonsense—how is Justin Gaethje not holding a UFC title right now? The man’s out here knocking legends into next week while managers and promoters play musical chairs with the belt. With Islam Makhachev ghosting the lightweight division, the chaos is cranked to 11, and Gaethje’s team is screaming for justice. Ali Abdelaziz, his manager, ain’t whispering either: “Justin’s the No. 1 guy, period.” But is it just UFC politics?

The Lightweight Carousel: Spinning Faster Than a TikTok Trend

Makhachev dips, Oliveira and Topuria battle for the vacant strap at UFC 317, and Gaethje’s stuck playing babysitter to contenders like Paddy Pimblett? Come on. Pimblett calling out Gaethje is like a Chihuahua barking at a pitbull—cute, but someone’s gonna get eaten. Abdelaziz ain’t sweating it though: “Justin’ll fight anyone, but let’s stop wasting time.” Remember when Gaethje BMF’d Holloway on two weeks’ notice? Now *that’s* a résumé.

Oliveira or Topuria? Gaethje’s Got Beef With Both

If Oliveira wins, Gaethje gets a shot at redemption for that UFC 274 submission loss. If Topuria takes it? Fresh meat versus human highlight reel. Either way, Abdelaziz is right—it’s a money fight. But here’s the kicker: The UFC’s matchmaking moves slower than DMV lines, but Gaethje’s 35, and he knows time’s ticking.

Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan’s lurking like that one cousin who always wants your WiFi password. But let’s keep it real: Tsarukyan’s last big win was…uh…help me out here? Exactly. Gaethje’s earned his shot ten times over, but the UFC’s acting like they forgot his number.

The Fan Verdict: Let Him Cook or Let Him Starve?

Gaethje’s career is a Netflix thriller—everyone’s glued, but the ending’s still unclear. He saved International Fight Week, flatlined Poirier, and still gets treated like a backup dancer. Abdelaziz isn’t wrong: If Poirier got a title shot off a loss, why not Gaethje? The math ain’t mathing. But hey, this is MMA—logic left the building with Conor’s hairline.

But let me ask y’all: Should Gaethje sit tight for the belt, or slap Pimblett into the shadow realm first? Drop your takes below—no wrong answers, just strong opinions.