Justin Gaethje Captures UFC Lightweight Title at 37, Stopping Ilia Topuria via Corner Towel
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Jun 18
Justin Gaethje Captures UFC Lightweight Title at 37, Stopping Ilia Topuria via Corner Towel
3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Jun 18
Summary
Gaethje said he is "probably not fighting again this year" after winning the undisputed lightweight belt on Sunday, calling his first wake-up as champion "absolutely insane."
Topuria's corner threw in the towel at UFC White House after Gaethje battered the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter in what Gaethje called a perfect, timing-driven performance.
At 37, Gaethje framed the bout as his last real chance to win undisputed gold after two previous failed title bids, making the breakthrough the crowning achievement of his career.
Any return now looks pushed into 2027: Gaethje said he has already fought twice in 2026 and rarely competes more than twice in a year because of the toll of training and fighting.