Demetrious Johnson, a widely regarded MMA legend, recently expressed his opinion that Justin Gaethje should retire after his win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 on June 22, 2026.
What happened?
Georges St-Pierre, another MMA legend, has come out in full agreement with Demetrious Johnson's statement, praising Gaethje's career and accomplishments.
Gaethje's win over Topuria was a significant upset, as he became the UFC lightweight champion after a corner stoppage in the fourth round.
Why it matters for Demetrious Johnson
Demetrious Johnson's opinion on Gaethje's retirement carries weight, given his own impressive career and experience in the UFC.
St-Pierre echoed Johnson's sentiments, stating that Gaethje has nothing left to prove and that retirement would be an amazing ending to his career.
What comes next?
Gaethje has remained cryptic about his long-term future in the world of combat sports, but St-Pierre believes that he could sign off his MMA career in a magnificent way if he chooses to retire now.
The 37-year-old American has won 28 of his 33 professional fights and has been crowned the UFC lightweight champion.
Georges St-Pierre, who is widely considered one of the best MMA fighters of all time, retired for the final time after his last fight, and his opinion on Gaethje's retirement is likely to carry significant influence.
Demetrious Johnson's statement on Gaethje's retirement has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of prioritizing health and knowing when to walk away from the sport.
On June 22, 2026, Gaethje made history by becoming the undisputed lightweight champion, and his decision on whether to retire or continue fighting will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
St-Pierre admitted that money could be a major incentive for Gaethje to continue fighting, but he feels that the American could bow out on the ultimate high point, citing health as a priority.
The UFC lightweight title had eluded Gaethje before he defied the odds and overcame the once-undefeated Ilia Topuria in UFC White House's co-main event.
Gaethje was the interim lightweight champion going into UFC Freedom 250 after he defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision at UFC 324 in Las Vegas in January.
His quest for the UFC lightweight title had previously seen him fall short to Charles Oliveira and MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Speaking on The Break Talk's YouTube channel, Georges St-Pierre praised Gaethje's work ethic and ability to come back from adversity, calling him an inspiring figure in the world of MMA.
Demetrious Johnson's opinion on Gaethje's retirement has been met with interest and respect from the MMA community, given his own experience and achievements in the sport.
The conversation around Gaethje's potential retirement will continue to unfold in the coming weeks and months, with fans and pundits eagerly awaiting his decision on whether to hang up his gloves or continue fighting.