Justin Gaethje denies having a staph infection ahead of his UFC 324 interim lightweight title fight against Paddy Pimblett, clarifying that the bump on his neck is an ingrown hair.
Justin Gaethje insists he’s in top shape, dismissing rumors of a staph infection as he gears up for what might be his last shot at a UFC title.
He’s set to clash with Paddy Pimblett in the main event at UFC 324 for the interim lightweight title. This showdown is scheduled for January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marking the UFC’s debut on Paramount+.
Throughout his training camp, Gaethje has been sharing his journey on YouTube. Fans noticed a noticeable bump on his neck, sparking staph infection speculations.
Gaethje quickly addressed these claims on social media, shutting them down. “It’s an ingrown hair on my neck and brisket hanging out of my mouth, Nostradamus,” he quipped to a fan.
Aiming to become a two-time interim champion, Gaethje first seized that title with a fifth-round finish against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249. However, he lost the unification bout to Khabib Nurmagomedov and later fell to Charles Oliveira in another title attempt.
Since then, Gaethje’s been busy, fighting four times and going 3-1. He snagged the BMF title with a knockout against Dustin Poirier, only to lose it to Max Holloway at UFC 300.