Justin Gaethje continues to rack up respect across the mixed martial arts world. After his recent fight against Ilia Topuria at the historic UFC Freedom 250 event hosted live from the White House, the praise keeps rolling in from peers and fans alike.
Gaethje walked into the lightweight championship main event and stunned the world with his dominant win over former Undefeated champion Ilia Topuria.
The Safford, Arizona native always represents his home state every time he competes. His brawling style earned him the BMF title and a reputation as the top action fighter on the UFC roster. Now, an early pioneer of the sport is passing the torch regarding who holds the toughness crown for their state.
UFC Hall of Famer Don Frye recently took to Instagram to send a direct message to the lightweight contender. Frye, who was born in Sierra Vista, Arizona, dominated the early days of the Octagon with his Division I wrestling background and heavy hands.
Hey Justin, it’s Don Frye. Another Arizona boy. It used to be me. I used to be the toughest fighter in Arizona, but now it’s you. Congratulations man. Hell of a fight there at the White House. You are the man.”
Coming from a guy who famously traded unblocked punches with Yoshihiro Takayama in Pride FC, that endorsement carries a lot of weight.
Gaethje’s professional fighting resume backs up the statement. The Arizona native has consistently proved his grit by taking on elite opponents like Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, Tony Ferguson, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and the list goes on.
‘The Highlight’ currently stands at 28 wins and 5 losses. Whether he won or lost, his fights are an absolute war. Getting a public nod from a heavyweight legend simply proves what most fight fans already recognize. The unofficial title of Arizona’s toughest fighter is locked up, and Justin Gaethje holds the keys.
MMA Legend Demetrious Johnson Urges Justin Gaethje to Retire After UFC Freedom 250 Victory
Justin Gaethje reached the pinnacle of the sport at UFC Freedom 250. He battered Ilia Topuria on the White House lawn to claim the undisputed lightweight championship. The fourth-round TKO capped off a violent main event. At 37 years old, the Arizona native finally secured the undisputed belt after years of absolute wars.
The veteran brawler has nothing left to prove inside the cage. His resume checks every possible box in mixed martial arts. He reigned as the World Series of Fighting champion before moving to the Octagon. He captured the interim UFC title. Now, he holds the undisputed belt.
After Don Frye publicly crowned him the toughest fighter in Arizona history, another prominent voice in the sport weighed in on his future. Former flyweight king Demetrious Johnson, aka Mighty Mouse, took to his YouTube channel to offer blunt advice to the Champion on his retirement.
There’s nothing left for Justin Gaethje to do. Royal World Series of Fighting Champion. Um, he’s made so much money in mixed martial arts…He’s an undisputed lightweight champion.
He’s been the interim champion of the world. And you guys might hate me for this, but the best thing Justin Gishi can do is retire.” Mighty Mouse said. (Timestamp: 23:50-24:14)
Gaethje has not hinted at his next move. Walking away from the Octagon with the undisputed belt presents the ultimate exit strategy, but the temptation to defend that title could keep him around. For now, the decision rests entirely in his hands.
