Kamaru Usman Picks Justin Gaethje Over Khabib Nurmagomedov as Most Decorated UFC Lightweight

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman praises teammate Justin Gaethje after UFC Freedom 250 title win.

Kamaru Usman Picks Justin Gaethje Over Khabib Nurmagomedov as Most Decorated UFC Lightweight

Kamaru Usman picks Justin Gaethje over others (via UFC, MMA Mania)

Kamaru Usman is regarded as one of the most decorated welterweights in UFC history, with a dominant championship reign. Usman has trained with several UFC stars across different camps over the years. However, a consistent training presence has been Justin Gaethje. Usman also attended UFC Freedom 250, where Gaethje’s lightweight title win over Ilia Topuria influenced his comments on lightweight greatness.

Gaethje defeated Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 via fourth-round corner stoppage to win the undisputed lightweight title. Gaethje landed 119 of 228 significant strikes (52% accuracy) compared to Topuria’s 97 of 192 (50% accuracy). He also recorded 1 knockdown, which shifted momentum during the third round. The fight ended after sustained damage in Round 4 forced Topuria’s corner to stop the contest.

Gaethje entered UFC Freedom 250 as a +320 underdog against Ilia Topuria, who was a -420 favorite, creating a wide odds gap. Many saw it as his final realistic shot at undisputed gold after earlier failed title attempts. However, ‘The Highlight’ beat the odds and cemented his place in UFC greatness. The White House main event win added historic weight and shaped Usman’s assessment of his lightweight legacy.

I’m saying the most decorated. What I mean by that is Justin Gaethje has a title from a different organization. He came in with a 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. 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.

Kamaru Usman via The Pound 4 Pound Show

Usman and Gaethje have long been teammates under Trevor Wittman at ONX Sports Gym in Colorado. Both veterans have frequently trained together while preparing for major championship bouts. Their sessions have often involved high-level sparring and strategy work ahead of title fights. Usman also played a significant role in Gaethje’s fight camp heading into the UFC Freedom 250 challenge.

For years, the lightweight GOAT discussion has been dominated by one name, Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired undefeated at 29–0. His greatness came from relentless grappling pressure, elite control, and an ability to completely neutralize elite strikers. ‘The Eagle’ had also defeated Gaethje in his final fight at UFC 254, submitting him via triangle choke in the second round after a dominant performance.

Kamaru Usman and Gaethje’s relationship reflects a rare bond between two UFC veterans who have grown alongside each other inside elite training environments. Their connection is built on respect forged over years of shared preparation and trust. That closeness adds weight to The Nigerian Nightmare’s recent commentary, as it comes from someone familiar with Justin Gaethje’s work ethic and mindset.

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Kamaru Usman reveals why Ilia Topuria’s game plan failed at UFC Freedom 250

Ilia Topuria entered UFC Freedom 250 with strong confidence, expecting to dominate the lightweight title fight. The Georgian-Spanish star projected certainty in a quick and decisive win over Justin Gaethje. In the buildup, he even updated his Instagram bio to include Gaethje as a win on his record. Topuria also dedicated a White Rose to his opponent ahead of the fight, seen as a warning of an early knockout.

Justin Gaethje and Kamaru Usman get shocked by coach
Justin Gaethje and Kamaru Usman get shocked by coach (via Instagram)

Gaethje stayed quiet during fight week, confident in a hidden strategic game plan for Topuria’s pressure-heavy style. He aimed to absorb early pressure and adjust later in the fight. ‘El Matador’ started strong and controlled the opening rounds with sharp pressure and clean striking combinations. However, rounds three and four shifted as Gaethje’s adjustments took over, shaping Kamaru Usman’s post-fight analysis.

It was almost the perfect game plan until Justin adjusted. He was forcing Justin backward and making him throw everything he had just to keep him at bay. I thought Ilia came in with a great plan. The one thing you can’t test for, though, is heart. You can’t measure someone’s heart, especially if you’ve never been in there with them before. Ilia missed some shots, sure, but man, did he land some shots. He landed some huge punches. But Justin didn’t go away, and that’s the story of this fight.

Kamaru Usman via The Pound 4 Pound Show

Ilia Topuria suffered non-displaced fractures in both orbital bones, with significant swelling around the right eye after the fight with Justin Gaethje. The damage built up under the American veteran’s pressure and high-volume striking in the later rounds. These injuries further reinforced the narrative behind Kamaru Usman’s post-fight analysis of how the momentum shifted in the championship rounds.

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