Kamaru Usman explains how no other UFC lightweight has achieved more than Justin Gaethje.
Gaethje (28-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) claimed the lightweight title by upsetting Ilia Topuria (17-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) in this past Sunday’s UFC Freedom 250 headliner at the White House in Washington.
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“The Highlight” became undisputed champion in his third attempt after capturing the interim belt twice. Usman made his case as to why he sees Gaethje as the most decorated lightweight ever – even over record-holder for most consecutive title defenses Islam Makhachev, and undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“I’m going to go out on a limb and say it right now, the most decorated UFC lightweight,” Usman said on his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Henry Cejudo. “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.
“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’s resume now includes wins over Topuria, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, Tony Ferguson and Donald Cerrone. He has won 17 bonuses in 16 UFC fights.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Kamaru Usman calls Justin Gaethje ‘the most decorated lightweight’
