On the biggest night in recent UFC history, Justin Gaethje forced Ilia Topuria to retire at the end of Round 4 of their UFC lightweight championship fight to become the UFC undisputed lightweight champion of world. Gaethje, a major underdog heading into the fight, beat up and battered the previous undefeated Topuria all night so bad he had grotesque swelling in both eyes and was bleeding profusely all over his face before his corner stopped the fight.
A huge knee to the solar plexus to close out round four all but closed the show as it was the final blow which led to Topuria’s corner to wave the towel therefore forcing the former champion to retire on his stool.
Advertisement
“All glory to God I’ve prayed so much for this opportunity to do something legendary, and I know that was absolutely legendary because I can’t even believe it,” Gaethje said in his post-fight Octagon interview. “I knew I was going to have to get through the first round his skills are unmatched when he’s fresh and I’m fresh but, my durability, my tenacity and my heart got me through those first two rounds, and nobody can outwork me in round three and especially rounds four and five those championship rounds. I am made for these moments, this sport was made for me, and I’ve shown you why because I’m the most consistent and exciting guy that’s ever been in this cage.”
With the win, Gaethje a two-time interim champion and former ‘BMF ‘title holder, has now put together a sure fire first ballot UFC Hall of Fame resume by becoming undisputed champion of the world. He’s now tied for third in knockouts in UFC lightweight history with seven and his knockout to close out UFC Freedom 250 in front of U.S. president Donald Trump cements his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in UFC history.
The man known as the “The Highlight” also won $825,00 in fight bonuses and is now the oldest fighter in history to win a UFC lightweight title (37 years, 71 days). With five wins in his last six fights with his only loss coming in a classic fight against Max Holloway in April of 2024; UFC Freedom 250 turned into the career exclamation point many didn’t realize Gaethje needed for his legacy.
“When they look back, I think my career is going to age like fine wine,” Gaethje said. “Being an underdog in 12 of my 16 fights and being top 5 since 2017 these things are unmatched. Having 17 bonuses in 16 fights and I had 9 bonuses in my first 7 fights these are the things I’m most proud of.”
