Justin Gaethje is still processing the moment he finally became UFC lightweight champion. Days after dismantling Ilia Topuria at UFC White House, Gaethje appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and reflected on the biggest win of his career.
Gaethje Still Coming to Terms With Championship Moment
The unique setting and massive production surrounding the event made the victory even more meaningful for the newly crowned champion. He told Pat McAfee:
“All the theatrics and everything made it so much more spectacular,”
“You could not write a movie to match what we did. The show that we put on and the quality of the theatrics was absolutely insane. …”
For Gaethje, the achievement carries extra weight when he looks back on the road that brought him here.
“Me succeeding that night … the further back into my career you go, the more special this whole thing really is.
He admitted the reality of being champion had not fully sunk in until a conversation with his father.
“Yesterday, my dad asked me, ‘How’s it feel waking up for the first time being champion?’”
“I sat there and thought about it, and it’s absolutely insane.”
‘Timing’ Was the Key Against Ilia Topuria
At all UFC bookmakers, Topuria was the 6-1 favorite heading into the fight. Even though his opponent entered the matchup ranked among the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Gaethje believes preparation and timing allowed him to produce a flawless performance.
“One word describes it all, and it’s ‘timing,’”
“When you see my face, and it’s not messed up, you’re like, something’s wrong with the skin. It’s really not that.”
“If you watch frame by frame, I am constantly dissipating the energy that he’s trying to send in straight lines, and they’re all coming off and glancing off of my body.”
Gaethje also pointed to his ability to make adjustments throughout the fight.
“I said it in earlier interviews, my A to B is unmatched, and when I can lock in and be cerebral, and I’m in danger, my body does crazy things.”
“I’m able to be so technical and intuitive and cerebral with my actions. It’s happening so fast. We’re like computers processing codes. You’re constantly making adjustments.”
According to Gaethje, disrupting Topuria’s rhythm became a major factor as the fight progressed.
“I was able to reset his feet every one to two seconds. I was very diligent about it, and I fought a perfect fight. And he was completely caught off guard. He was not expecting it.”
Not Expecting Another Fight in 2026
Now holding the UFC’s most coveted lightweight prize, Gaethje has fans wondering when he will step back into the Octagon.
While retirement rumors continue to circulate, the 37-year-old did indicate that another appearance this year is highly unlikely. After already competing twice in 2026 and enduring another demanding training camp, he appears content to take time before making his next move.
“I already fought twice this year, and very rarely do you get me twice in one year,”
“So there’s a very, very small chance that I would ever consider fighting this year again. ”