Former champion places Justin Gaethje above Khabib Nurmagomedov and names him the most successful lightweight in history.

Justin gaethje He flaunts UFC belts after victory at the White House. Photo: Reproduction/X.

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After pulling off one of the biggest upsets in sports history and leaving the White House gardens as the new lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg), Justin gaethje still reaping the rewards of the triumph against Ilia TopuriaThe American silenced the critics and, after becoming the first to defeat the Georgian/Spanish fighter, many personalities in the world of Mixed Martial Arts are now questioning his true position on the list of the greatest fighters in history. Kamaru UsmanFor example, the training partner should be seen as the most decorated lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) in history, above names like Khabib Nurmagomedov e Charles of the BronxHe spoke about the subject during the last edition of Espaitec's 'Pound 4 Pound' 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 it 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 achieved a historical mark with the latest triumph. At 37 years old, he is the oldest athlete to become champion in the lightweights (up to 70,3 kg). Before the event last Sunday (14), Destaque had made clear his intention to retire in case of another setback in the attempt to become the owner of the linear belt.

Gaethje was submitted by Khabib

Khabib Nurmagomedov (left) and J. Gaethje (right) facing before the UFC 254. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Throughout his extensive career in the world's biggest MMA event, Gaethje has had the opportunity to share the octagon against the best of his generation. Among them, Khabib NurmagomedovThe two faced off with the title on the line, in the main event of UFC 254Back in the pandemic, the American held the interim title and was seeking unification, just like in last weekend's fight. However, unlike 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.