Justin Gaethje Triumphs Over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250

Justin Gaethje emerged victorious in a thrilling main event at UFC Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C. He defeated the undefeated champ Ilia Topuria in a UFC Lightweight Championship unification bout held outside the White House on Sunday.

At 37, Gaethje entered as an underdog but dominated from the start. He bloodied Topuria’s face early and continued his assault with powerful kicks and punches through the next rounds. After the fourth round, Topuria’s corner signaled for a stoppage, indicating he had suffered too much damage to continue. Topuria left with his team and later received medical attention.

Gaethje’s victory crowned him the undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion, though he hesitated to discuss retirement post-fight. Former champ Demetrious Johnson suggests Gaethje should retire on this high note instead of continuing his career. Johnson emphasized that Gaethje has nothing more to prove and believes retiring now would be beneficial for his health.

“There is nothing left for Justin Gaethje to do. He’s made so much money, he is an undisputed lightweight champion,” Johnson shared on his YouTube channel. “The best thing he can do is retire on this amazing victory. You retire on top, save your brain cells, and beat one of the best athletes.”

Demetrious Johnson, known as “Mighty Mouse,” boasts an impressive career (25-4-1) and retired in 2023. He will enter the UFC Hall of Fame on July 9, days before Conor McGregor fights Max Holloway at UFC 329.

In Gaethje’s post-fight cage interview with Joe Rogan, retirement was mentioned. Gaethje said he promised his mother he’d decide only after the event. Gaethje’s career record stands at 28-5, with 21 knockouts. His win over Topuria marked his third straight victory following a last loss in April 2024 to Max Holloway. Other significant losses came against top-level fighters like Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Many athletes can’t retire at the peak of their careers and linger longer than needed. Gaethje’s latest victory could be the ideal endpoint in his mixed martial arts career.