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Justin Gaethje defeats Ilia Topuria to win undisputed UFC lightweight title
Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria on Sunday to claim the undisputed lightweight championship. The 38-year-old received a 180-day medical suspension and said he is unlikely to fight again this year.
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Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria on Sunday night to become the undisputed UFC lightweight champion. Gaethje absorbed a knockdown in the second round, survived an armbar attempt and sustained significant facial damage over four rounds. The 38-year-old fighter received a 180-day medical suspension pending MRI clearance on his right wrist and left knee.
"I already fought twice this year and very rarely do you get me twice in one year so there's a very, very, very small chance that I would ever consider fighting again this year with what I put myself through," Gaethje said. Gaethje hinted at retirement during his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan on the White House lawn and has not walked those comments back.
Topuria confirmed a fractured orbital bone and called for an immediate rematch.
Charles Oliveira offered a winner-takes-all bout pitting the BMF belt against the lightweight title. 7 million after publicly betting on the Gaethje-Topuria upset and is viewed as the division's mandatory frontrunner. The lightweight title is now held by a fighter who may or may not compete again, leaving the division to wait for clarity on its next steps.
