Kamaru Usman believes Justin Gaethje now stands alone in lightweight history after his latest championship breakthrough.
Gaethje upset Ilia Topuria in the UFC Freedom 250 headliner at the White House in Washington this past Sunday, capturing the UFC lightweight title and finally becoming undisputed champion on his third attempt after previously holding the interim belt twice.
Speaking on his "Pound 4 Pound" podcast with Henry Cejudo, Usman made a bold declaration about Gaethje’s résumé. "I'm going to go out on a limb and say it right now, the most decorated UFC lightweight," Usman said. He later added, "I'm not saying he's the best lightweight ever. I'm not saying he has the most wins. I'm not saying all that. I'm saying the most decorated."
Usman pointed to Gaethje’s long list of accomplishments across organizations. "What I mean by that is Justin Gaethje has a title from a different organization (WSOF). He came in with the title. Not only a title, had a title from a different organization, defended it multiple times, to where he came into the UFC undefeated with that title. Every fight he's been in, he's had a bonus. On top of that, the first two-time interim champion in UFC history. That's two different belts right there, two different titles. Also, let's put a BMF title on top of that. And now, let's put an undisputed belt on top of that. The most decorated lightweight we've ever seen."
Gaethje, nicknamed "The Highlight," now holds UFC wins over Ilia Topuria, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, Tony Ferguson and Donald Cerrone, and has collected 17 bonuses in 16 UFC fights as his lightweight legacy continues to grow.
