Justin Gaethje is gearing up for a comeback in 2024, yet he emphasizes that the results of future fights won’t define his career. As the reigning UFC lightweight champion, he believes he could retire today, confident that his legacy is already secure.

His journey took a pivotal turn during his bout against Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250. Prior to the fight, there were concerns that a loss could jeopardize his career. Gaethje, known for his explosive fighting style and record-breaking post-fight bonuses, demonstrated that he had nothing left to prove after clinching the lightweight title.

To be quite honest, I feel like I've fulfilled my legacy,

• Gaethje described the loss to Holloway as a crucial building block for his legacy.
• He highlighted how the win against Topuria, especially after Holloway’s defeat by Topuria, made his achievement even more significant.

At 37, Gaethje made history as the oldest UFC lightweight champion, a feat that fuels his self-belief. However, he acknowledges the fine line between confidence and overconfidence.

It's weird because I gained a lot of confidence, but I've been through so many fights that I know there's a little bit of luck and chance involved,

With his legacy intact, Gaethje remains focused on the unpredictable nature of the sport.