Justin Gaethje secured an impressive victory in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C., defeating undefeated champion Ilia Topuria in a UFC Lightweight Championship unification bout near the White House. The bout took place on Sunday.
Despite entering the fight as an underdog at age 37, Gaethje dominated early. He inflicted significant damage on Topuria’s face from the start, continuing with powerful strikes throughout the match. After the fourth round, Topuria’s corner called for the fight to stop due to the extent of his injuries. Topuria left the ring assisted by his team and was later examined at a hospital.
With this victory, Gaethje became the undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion. While questions about his retirement swirled, he chose not to confirm any immediate plans after the match. Former champion Demetrious Johnson suggested that now is the right time for Gaethje to retire, capitalizing on this major win.
“There is nothing left for Justin Gaethje to do. He’s made so much money; he is an undisputed lightweight champion,” said Johnson in a YouTube video. “The best thing Justin Gaethje can do is retire on this amazing victory against a legend like Ilia Topuria. You retire on top, save your brain cells, and ride off into the sunset. You beat one of the best athletes and gave him his first defeat.”
Demetrious Johnson is a former UFC Flyweight Champion who competed from 2006 to 2023. He achieved a record of 25-4-1, including a 5-1 record post-transfer to ONE Championship. Johnson retired in 2023 after successfully defending the ONE Flyweight Championship at ONE Fight Night 10. He will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame on July 9, shortly before Conor McGregor fights Max Holloway at UFC 329.
Following Gaethje’s win, Joe Rogan spoke with him inside the cage. When the topic of retirement arose, Gaethje mentioned he had promised his mother he would make no decision until after Sunday night.
Gaethje boasts a career record of 28-5, with 21 victories by knockout. Sunday’s win against Topuria marked his third consecutive victory, with his last defeat to Max Holloway in April 2024. Previous losses also came against notable fighters like Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Ending a career on a high note can be challenging, yet it might be best. Many athletes continue seeking victories only to face an unfavorable end. Currently, Gaethje’s championship win stands as a fitting end to his MMA career.
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