Justin Gaethje reveals the one change after becoming UFC lightweight champion

**Justin Gaethje** is now the undisputed UFC lightweight champion after defeating Ilia Topuria on 18 June at UFC Freedom 250 in Washington, DC.

What happened at UFC Freedom 250?

Gaethje battered Topuria for 25 minutes to claim the 155-pound belt in his third title shot. The victory ended a two-year wait for the Arizona native, who had fallen short against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020 and Charles Oliveira in 2021. Topuria entered as a 2.5-to-1 favorite but left as the first man to lose the belt to Gaethje, who stuffed 11 of 20 takedowns and outstruck his rival 101-39 in significant strikes.

Gaethje’s mother told United States vice president JD Vance the night was likely the veteran’s last fight. The champ has not confirmed retirement, but he ruled out a 2027 title defense. Inside the cage, Gaethje showed no mercy, dropping Topuria with a left hook in the fifth and finishing him with hammerfists in the third round.

Why it matters for Justin Gaethje

Gaethje admitted the biggest change since winning the belt is waking up without a goal to chase. “Nothing feels different,” he told The Pat McAfee Show. “I could let it be as big as I want or not change anything. The only foreign feeling is not having something to chase every morning.”

The 34-year-old has spent 14 years in the UFC chasing titles, belts and legacies. Now he faces a new kind of fight: deciding whether to defend the gold or step away. Gaethje’s reluctance to commit to 2027 leaves the division in suspense. A rematch with Topuria or a first meeting with Arman Tsarukyan could still happen.

What comes next for the lightweight division?

Paddy Pimblett’s stock soared after submitting Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329, climbing four spots to No. 5. The British star now sits behind Islam Makhachev, Gaethje, Topuria and Dustin Poirier in the rankings.

Gaethje’s next move will shape the division’s near future. If he retires, the belt returns to Topuria. If he defends, the rematch buzz grows louder. Either way, the lightweight throne is no longer up for grabs-it’s Gaethje’s to lose.

Gaethje’s mother’s comment about retirement adds another layer. The champ has earned every right to walk away on top. But fighters like Gaethje rarely walk away quietly. The Octagon still calls.