Justin Gaethje plans to defend lightweight title after UFC Freedom 250 victory
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 11:09 PM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026

Justin Gaethje confirmed his intention to defend the UFC lightweight title following his recent victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 on June 20, 2026. Post-fight, Gaethje reflected that he had no immediate plans for retirement and expressed a desire to continue competing in the octagon. He indicated that there are several exciting matchups available, excluding a rematch with Topuria, whom he stopped. Potential opponents include Charles Oliveira and the winner of the upcoming Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway fight.
- •Gaethje won the lightweight championship at UFC Freedom 250.
- •He plans to continue fighting rather than retire.
- •Topuria will not receive a rematch after this defeat.
- •Charles Oliveira is a possible future opponent.
- •Gaethje will wait for the McGregor vs. Holloway results.
- 11:09 PMCBS Sports — Justin Gaethje has no plans to retire after beating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 for lightweight title
"Gaethje intends to defend his 155-pound title after winning at the White House
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
UFC•Sep 24, 2026, 4:00 AMUFC BJJ 11 Results: Musumeci vs. Mitchell- UFC•Sep 24, 2026, 3:25 AMRaul Rosas Jr. eyes UFC title fights ahead of first five-round test
UFC•Sep 24, 2026, 1:20 AMRaoni Barcelos inspired by Glover Teixeira, plans own late UFC title run
UFC•Sep 24, 2026, 12:34 AMPatricio Pitbull Wants to Fight ‘Barking Dog’ Jean Silva
UFC•Sep 24, 2026, 12:30 AMRaul Rosas Jr. not taking Raoni Barcelos lightly due to huge age gap- UFC•Sep 23, 2026, 11:53 PM'I lost a part of who I am': Nikita Hand speaks for first time since Conor McGregor sexual assault case
