Justin Gaethje set to face Khabib again in coach role
Justin Gaethje will corner Archie Colgan at PFL New York this Saturday, putting him opposite Khabib Nurmagomedov's team if The Eagle corners cousin Usman Nurmagomedov. The UFC lightweight champion confirmed the coaching role after helping Colgan's camp, reuniting the rivals who last met in 2020.
According to Bloody Elbow, Gaethje revealed in a PFL video that he will be in Colgan's corner for the undefeated challenger's title shot against undefeated PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
Key Takeaways
- Justin Gaethje confirmed he will corner Archie Colgan at PFL New York on Saturday.
- Usman Nurmagomedov defends his undefeated PFL lightweight title against undefeated Colgan.
- Khabib Nurmagomedov has been seen in New York with Usman, though his corner role is not yet officially confirmed.
- Colgan helped Gaethje prepare for the UFC Freedom 250 title win over Ilia Topuria.
- Debate continues over whether Gaethje will fight again after becoming undisputed champion.
Why is Justin Gaethje cornering at PFL New York?
Colgan was a key part of Gaethje's training camp ahead of UFC Freedom 250, where Gaethje upset Ilia Topuria to win the undisputed UFC lightweight title. Speaking about having Gaethje in his corner, Colgan said it will "feel right," calling Gaethje someone who inspired him and helped kickstart his journey toward a first world title.
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Will Justin Gaethje sit opposite Khabib Nurmagomedov?
Khabib submitted Gaethje at UFC 254 in 2020, then retired inside the Octagon after unifying the lightweight title. Bloody Elbow notes it has not been confirmed that Khabib will corner Usman this weekend, though videos from Anatomy of a Fighter show The Eagle in New York with his relative, suggesting he likely will.
If that happens, Gaethje and Khabib would occupy opposite corners for the first time since their 2020 fight.
Is Justin Gaethje retiring after beating Topuria?
That question still hangs over the champion's next move. On The Anik & Florian podcast, UFC commentator Jon Anik said he does not think Gaethje will fight again, citing maternal pressure and financial freedom already accrued, per Yahoo Sports reporting.
Retired welterweight Matt Brown disagrees with the retirement chorus. On The Fighter vs. The Writer, Brown argued that prize fighting is the point: Gaethje's value is higher than ever, and he should take advantage while he can, lining up 2027 title defenses against names such as Arman Tsarukyan, Max Holloway, or Charles Oliveira.
Gaethje has ruled out a rematch with Paddy Pimblett but has not confirmed whether he will defend the UFC belt. For now, his confirmed next appearance is as Colgan's coach, across from the Nurmagomedov camp.