Justin Gaethje secured a remarkable win at UFC Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C., defeating Ilia Topuria in a UFC Lightweight Championship unification fight. The match took place near the White House on Sunday. At 37, Gaethje entered the contest as the underdog but dominated from the beginning. He inflicted significant damage on Topuria with precise kicks and punches.
By the end of the fourth round, Topuria’s corner decided to stop the fight due to the injuries he sustained. Afterward, Topuria required assistance from his team and later received medical attention at a hospital. This victory crowned Gaethje as the undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion.
Despite his win, Gaethje did not commit to a decision about retirement. Former champion Demetrious Johnson suggested that Gaethje should consider retiring on a high note. Johnson emphasized that with his financial success and championship status, Gaethje could retire while preserving his health. Such a decision would allow him to exit the sport on top after defeating an undefeated opponent like Topuria.
“The best thing Justin Gaethje can do is retire. He should retire on this amazing victory against a legend like Ilia Topuria,” Johnson stated in a YouTube video.
Johnson, a former UFC Flyweight Champion known as “Mighty Mouse,” ended his career in 2023. He achieved a record of 25-4-1, with successful stints in both the UFC and ONE Championship. Johnson’s decision to retire came after another victory, and he is set to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame soon.
During the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Gaethje mentioned a promise to his mother to delay any retirement decision until after the weekend. With a career record of 28-5, 21 of his victories were knockouts. Sunday’s success marked his third consecutive win since an April 2024 loss to Max Holloway. Other notable defeats in Gaethje’s career include losses to Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Exiting the sport at the peak of his career offers a dignified conclusion that many athletes fail to achieve. Gaethje has the opportunity to close his MMA chapter with his championship victory.
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