Gaethje’s long climb to UFC gold: setbacks, self-belief, and Topuria’s fall
After three title-fight losses, Justin Gaethje finally seized UFC lightweight gold by outlasting Ilia Topuria in a five-round war at UFC Freedom 250.
Justin Gaethje has finally reached undisputed UFC lightweight glory, three years after his last title tilt, by rallying from the brink to outpoint Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC Freedom 250. The finish line had been in sight before—twice against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020, once against Charles Oliveira in 2021, and again against Max Holloway in 2022—but Gaethje’s belief never wavered. His path back to contention required brutal wins over Dustin Poirier in 2023 and Rafael Fiziev in 2024, plus an interim title defense against Paddy Pimblett that reclaimed the division’s top spot.
