Column By Jon Johnson
Coming off the most epic fight of the most iconic UFC event in history — held on the South Lawn of the White House in front of President Donald J. Trump — there is absolutely nothing that can trump this moment of achievement for Safford’s own Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje. Defying the oddsmakers, Gaethje crushed the formerly unbeaten Ilia Topuria to capture the undisputed Lightweight Championship.
Even without the historic backdrop, the fight itself was one of the most incredible spectacles of combat sports I have ever witnessed. While attempting to describe the battle to a friend over the phone the next morning, the only imagery I could conjure up came from the Rocky movies. Justin and Ilia were trading such devastating volume that it felt like it had to be scripted for Hollywood.
Having covered several of Justin’s fights up close, I have to admit I was deeply anxious heading into the Topuria bout. I was cage-side in Phoenix back in May 2022 when Gaethje looked to be in full control against Charles Oliveira, only for that sneaky Brazilian submission wizard to play possum on the canvas and secure a sudden rear-naked choke.
Undaunted, Gaethje bounced back to face Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 in Salt Lake City. I was lucky enough to be in attendance for that one, too, watching Justin’s shin land flush against the side of Poirier’s head for a spectacular, viral knockout to claim the BMF Title.
I didn’t see the Max Holloway fight in person, but like most of the world, I watched on a screen as Holloway dominated the exchanges, culminating in that unforgettable, last-second knockout of the year.
After that devastating loss, I worried Justin’s elite run might be nearing its end. So, when he signed to fight rising star Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, I knew I had to be there in person. I needed to see if Safford’s warrior was going to walk tall or hit the wall. Instead, he served Paddy up on a silver platter. My goodness, he rocked that boy!
That brings us back to the White House and Ilia Topuria — an undefeated champion widely considered the most dangerous, clinical force in the division. I feared this matchup would either be the final chapter of Justin’s career or his absolute crowning achievement.
Early on, I was just relieved to see Justin survive the first five minutes — and thrilled when he actually won the opening round. I think that tactical success caught Topuria entirely off guard, too.
But when Ilia exploded in the second round, dropping Justin to the canvas with a grueling, liver-crumpling body shot, my own stomach sank. “Oh no!” I exclaimed, screaming at the big screen. “Just hang on until the bell!” He did. And that survival surprised Topuria even more.
Emerging for the third round, Topuria looked completely gassed from emptying the tank on his finish attempt, while Justin looked remarkably fresh. Gaethje systematically dismantled the Spaniard, fracturing at least one, if not both, of Topuria’s orbital bones. Wisely, Topuria’s corner called off the fight before the fifth round. Their fighter couldn’t see, and Justin was just gearing up for a violent grand finale. That corner stoppage saved Topuria from unnecessary trauma, preserving him to fight another day.
So, the burning question remains: After the most epic night and performance of his life, where does Justin Gaethje go from here? Does he call it a career, riding his newfound fortune and championship fame into a retirement where he no longer gets hit in the face for a living?
That is exactly what most sane athletes would do. How do you top winning a world title at the White House? You can’t.
But you can cash an astronomical paycheck.
First, Justin must sit out a mandatory six-month window due to a 180-day medical suspension to let his body heal, sidelining him until early 2027. Gaethje recently stated that he intends to hang up the gloves for good by the middle of 2027. That timeline realistically leaves room for two final blockbuster fights.
Here is how his final act should play out. The only matchups that make financial and competitive sense right now — sorry, Arman Tsarukyan, but you just don’t move the needle — will be decided on July 11, when Conor McGregor makes his highly anticipated return to the Octagon in a rematch against Max Holloway.
If McGregor defeats Holloway, a Gaethje vs. McGregor title bout becomes the biggest event the sport can produce. Justin could easily command a career-high payday between $10 million and $20 million. That kind of generational wealth is enough to coax any fighter into the cage one last time.
If Holloway defeats McGregor, the path is equally compelling: Justin can book a high-stakes rematch with Max to defend his undisputed lightweight strap and avenge his most heartbreaking loss.
As for the final curtain call? Justin could close out his legendary career with a trilogy match against Dustin Poirier. It would be a guaranteed fan-favorite war and the perfect poetic ending for two of the most violent, respected gladiators to ever grace the sport.
Whatever Justin decides to do, he will undoubtedly trust his team and follow his coaches’ game plan. They have guided him from the wrestling mats of the Gila Valley to the absolute pinnacle of global combat sports. Who are we to question them now?
Go get ’em, champ.
