Justin Gaethje isn’t letting online speculation derail his title run.
The former BMF champion raised eyebrows this week after a mid-camp photo went viral, showing a visible mark on his neck ahead of his interim lightweight title fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. The bout headlines the Jan. 24 card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and launches the UFC’s new broadcast partnership with Paramount+.
Fans were quick to speculate, with some suggesting Justin Gaethje might be dealing with a staph infection, an issue that has sidelined several fighters in recent years. The rumours gained traction fast, but Gaethje wasted no time addressing them.
“It’s an ingrown hair on my neck and brisket hanging out of my mouth, Nostradamus,” Gaethje wrote on X.
The blunt response appeared to shut down concerns about his health and medical clearance. For now, the UFC 324 main event remains intact.
Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett is one of the most anticipated fights of the year and carries major implications for the lightweight division. With champion Ilia Topuria on hiatus, the interim belt is up for grabs, and the winner is expected to face Topuria upon his return. While Arman Tsarukyan remains a top contender, the UFC handed Gaethje and Pimblett the spotlight.
Gaethje enters the bout looking to become a two-time interim champion. He first captured the interim lightweight title with a fifth-round stoppage of Tony Ferguson at UFC 249. Since then, Justin Gaethje has remained a fixture at the top of the division, picking up notable wins over Rafael Fiziev and Dustin Poirier, the latter earning him the BMF title. He later lost that belt to Max Holloway at UFC 300.
Staph infections have been a recurring issue across the UFC roster, adding fuel to the online panic. Fighters like Merab Dvalishvili have dealt with multiple infections in recent seasons, making fans extra sensitive to any visible marks during fight week buildup.
Still, Gaethje insists there’s no issue and no excuse.“The Highlight” looks locked in, healthy, and focused as the countdown to UFC 324 continues.
With just days to go, all signs point to Justin Gaethje making the walk and chasing one more shot at undisputed gold.
