Justin Gaethje achieved the biggest milestone of his MMA career by defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 and becoming the undisputed UFC lightweight champion. The American entered the fight as the underdog but delivered a remarkable performance. He dominated large parts of the contest and forced Topuria to quit at the end of the fourth round. The win marked Gaethje’s first undisputed UFC title.
The historic win sparked discussions about Gaethje’s place among the greatest lightweights in UFC history. Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman believes Gaethje now stands above every other lightweight when it comes to achievements and accomplishments. Speaking on his Pound 4 Pound podcast with Henry Cejudo, Usman argued that Gaethje’s collection of titles, achievements across promotions, and career accomplishments make him the most decorated lightweight fighter the UFC has ever seen.
Kamaru Usman explains why Justin Gaethje is the most decorated lightweight ever
Kamaru Usman clarified that he was not calling Justin Gaethje the greatest lightweight of all time. Instead, he focused on the fighter’s overall achievements throughout his career. According to Usman, Gaethje entered the UFC as a champion from another major promotion and had already defended that title multiple times. He said that few fighters have arrived in the UFC with such an impressive resume.
Usman explained that Gaethje’s achievements go beyond wins and losses. He pointed out that the American collected several different championships during his fighting career. These include two UFC interim lightweight titles, the BMF championship, the undisputed lightweight title, and the special UFC Freedom 250 belt. “I am not saying he is the best lightweight ever (about Khabib Nurmagomedov and BJ Penn). I am not saying he has the most wins. I am not saying all that. I am saying the most decorated, and what I mean by that is Justin Gaethje has a title with a different organization. He came in with the title. Not only a title, had a title from a different organization and defended it multiple times”, he said.
The former welterweight champion also highlighted Gaethje’s consistency inside the Octagon. He noted that Gaethje arrived in the UFC undefeated and built a reputation for exciting performances. Usman emphasized that nearly every appearance by “The Highlight” has earned recognition through performance bonuses.
During the discussion, Usman argued that Gaethje’s combination of championships from different organizations and his success inside the UFC make his résumé unique. He said that when achievements and accolades are considered together, no other lightweight can match what Gaethje has accomplished.
Gaethje’s title victory at UFC Freedom 250 has now strengthened his legacy. While debates about the greatest lightweight continue, Usman believes the new champion has built one of the most impressive records the division has ever witnessed.
