Justin Gaethje flaunts UFC belts after victory at the White House. Photo: Reproduction/X.
After pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport and leaving the White House gardens as the new lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Justin Gaethje is still reaping the rewards of his triumph against Ilia Topuria . The American silenced the critics and after becoming the first to beat the Georgian/Spanish fighter, many personalities in the world of Mixed Martial Arts are questioning his real position on the list of the greatest fighters in history. For Kamaru Usman , for example, his training partner should be seen as the most decorated lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) in history, above names like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles do Bronx . He spoke about the subject during the latest edition of the 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast last Wednesday (17).
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According to Usman, Destaque's career has encompassed various stages and achievements that place him in a unique position and status among all those who have ever competed in the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg), the most populous and one of the most traditional in all of MMA.
“Justin entered the UFC undefeated. In every fight he's been in, he's won a bonus. The first two-time interim champion in UFC history, a BMF title on top of that, and now the undisputed lightweight title on top of everything. The most decorated lightweight we've ever seen,” he stated.
Kamaru Usman says Justin Gaethje is the most decorated lightweight in UFC history, putting him above Khabib Nurmagomedov.
"Justin came into the UFC undefeated. Every fight he's been in, he's had a bonus. The first two-time interim champion in UFC history, a BMF title on top of… pic.twitter.com/gEA9F9SqmJ
— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) June 18, 2026
In addition to the achievements mentioned by Usman, Justin also reached a historic milestone with his latest triumph. At 37 years old, he is the oldest athlete to become champion in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). Before the event last Sunday (14), Destaque had made it clear that he intended to retire in case of another setback in his attempt to become the owner of the linear belt.
Gaethje was submitted by Khabib
Khabib Nurmagomedov (left) and J. Gaethje (right) face off before UFC 254. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Throughout his extensive career in the world's biggest MMA event, Gaethje had the opportunity to share the octagon against the best of his generation. Among them, Khabib Nurmagomedov . The two faced off for the title in the main event of UFC 254 , back when the pandemic was still ongoing. At the time, the American held the interim belt and sought unification, similar to last weekend's fight. However, unlike what happened against Topuria, he ended up being dominated and submitted with a triangle choke in the second round. After the fight, the Russian announced his definitive retirement from the sport.
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