UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre has suggested that newly crowned lightweight champion Justin Gaethje consider retirement after his impressive victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250. Gaethje's dominant performance led to a referee stoppage after Round 4, solidifying his status as a top competitor. While St-Pierre believes Gaethje has achieved everything possible in the sport, Gaethje maintains that he is not ready to hang up his gloves and plans to defend his title in 2027 against Arman Tsarukyan.

By the Numbers
  • Justin Gaethje holds a professional record of 28 wins and 5 losses.
  • Gaethje was crowned UFC lightweight champion after defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.
Yes, But

Although St-Pierre advocates for retirement based on Gaethje's accomplishments, the fighter himself feels he still has more to achieve and intends to continue competing, reflecting a tension between the desire for longevity and the push to remain competitive.

State of Play
  • Gaethje plans to take the remainder of 2026 off to recover from previous fights.
  • He is interested in defending his title against top contenders starting in 2027.
What's Next

Justin Gaethje will focus on recovery for the rest of the year, with a potential title defense against Arman Tsarukyan on the horizon. Fans will be eager to see if he can extend his championship reign further.

Bottom Line

While Georges St-Pierre believes Justin Gaethje has reached his pinnacle and should retire, Gaethje's determination to continue fighting shows his relentless spirit. Ultimately, his future in the UFC will depend on how he balances health with his competitive ambitions.