UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has said that he never lost hope about one day becoming the undisputed champ in the promotion.
At UFC Freedom 250, Justin Gaethje finally reached the top of the mountain. He was able to overcome Ilia Topuria and claim the undisputed UFC lightweight championship, and following two runs as the interim champion. While many are focused on what’s next, the man himself has rightfully been enjoying his victory tour.
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Gaethje had previously had two attempts at the world title against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, but fell short on both occasions. Then, after being knocked out by Max Holloway, the popular opinion was that he was done at the elite level – or at least the title challenger level.
In a recent interview, Gaethje spoke about how he was able to stay motivated and keep his eyes on the prize.
Gaethje talks about his UFC title quest
“I mean, it doesn’t sound practical to say I never thought that it was gone,” Gaethje said. “Because going through those two fights, and then the Max Holloway fight after that, it made it real difficult.
“Before the Max fight I was on a, what, two or three-fight winning streak? I had knocked out Dustin Poirier. I was definitely planning on fighting for the belt next. I think Oliveira had [the shot], that’s when Topuria came up to lightweight and they made that fight. So I was like, shit, that kind of throws a wrench in everything.”
“I never really lost hope,” Gaethje explained. “I always knew that I was performing better than I had, I knew that my body still felt as good as it ever did.
“I knew that this sport was crazy, and I just had to put wins together. And, yeah, that was the mindset.”
Quotes via MMA Fighting
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