Justin Gaethje has revealed his submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC 254.
Right now, Justin Gaethje is waiting for his chance to challenge for the UFC Lightweight Championship again. While it certainly seems like he’ll be the next man to face Ilia Topuria, it’s certainly not guaranteed – which is probably why we haven’t heard an official announcement from the UFC yet.
RELATED: Justin Gaethje deserved title shot against Ilia Topuria, veteran UFC personality says
Of course, Gaethje has fought for the undisputed title before, against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. On both occasions, ‘The Highlight’ suffered a submission defeat, with the first of these opportunities coming at UFC 254 in a tense and competitive affair against Khabib.
Nurmagomedov had recently lost his father and retired after the fight, with Gaethje believing no one could have defeated the champion that night.
No man in the world beat Khabib that night, he was fighting for something much bigger… pic.twitter.com/bO0pxltXcE
— Justin Bigje 🇺🇸 (@justin_gaethje) October 20, 2025
Gaethje reflects on the 2020 defeat to Khabib
“No man on earth beat Khabib (Nurmagomedov) that night, he fought for something much bigger…” Gaethje posted on X.
“I lost the fight, so I was very upset,” Gaethje said. “I understood what he was going through. Everything was very public, I knew his father had just passed away in the last two months. I can imagine how emotional that could be. …I went to him and said, ‘I think you just made your father quite happy.'”
Quotes via Bloody elbow
Do you believe Justin Gaethje has what it takes to dethrone Ilia Topuria and eventually become UFC lightweight champion? If so, how can he get the job done? Let us know, BJPENN Nation!
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