Demetrious Johnson says Justin Gaethje should retire immediately after winning the UFC lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250, arguing there is nothing left for him to accomplish in the sport.
Johnson shared his view on his YouTube channel following Gaethje’s fourth-round corner stoppage of Ilia Topuria at the White House.
There is nothing left for Justin Gaethje to do. World Series of Fighting champion, he’s made so much money in mixed martial arts. He probably double bonused tonight, and I think the bonuses were $485,000. He is an undisputed lightweight champion, he’s been the interim champion of the world. There’s nothing left for him to do. You guys might hate me for this, but the best thing Justin Gaethje can do is retire. He should retire on this amazing victory against a legend like Ilia Topuria. You retire on top, you save your brain cells, you ride off into the sunset. You beat one of the best athletes. You gave him his first f*cking defeat. Ride away with the White House belt and the undisputed lightweight championship belt.
Gaethje, for his part, left the door open when speaking to Joe Rogan in his post-fight octagon interview.
I promised my mom I wouldn’t make a decision tonight.