Justin Gaethje Wins Undisputed Lightweight Gold

Justin Gaethje handed Ilia Topuria his first loss, winning the undisputed lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250. The event saw seven fights on the South Lawn of The White House, with Gaethje's win being the main event.

What happened at UFC Freedom 250?

Gaethje's victory came after Ciryl Gane stopped Alex Pereira to claim the interim heavyweight belt. Gaethje's performance was deemed the defining moment of his fighting career by many.

George St-Pierre on Justin Gaethje's retirement

Georges St-Pierre stated he'd have opted to hang up his gloves if he were in Gaethje's position, citing health as a priority. St-Pierre famously took an extended hiatus from fighting after a controversial win over Johny Hendricks at UFC 167. He returned four years later to meet Michael Bisping in a middleweight title bout at UFC 217.

Justin Gaethje's career highlights

Gaethje previously had a lengthy run as the World Series of Fighting lightweight champion before joining the UFC in 2017. He first won the UFC's interim lightweight belt by stopping Tony Ferguson in 2020. Gaethje rebounded from a loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov by defeating Michael Chandler.

What comes next for Justin Gaethje?

The 37-year-old's first lightweight title defense is currently unclear, with many speculating about his potential opponents. Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson also suggested Gaethje should retire, given his accomplishments. Gaethje's win over Topuria marked a significant milestone in his career, with many considering it his greatest achievement. And with his current title reign, Gaethje's future in the UFC is uncertain, with some backing his potential retirement. But for now, Gaethje remains the undisputed lightweight champion, with a impressive victory over Topuria. So the question remains, what's next for Justin Gaethje? Gaethje's performance at UFC Freedom 250 will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in his career.