Dana White addresses Justin Gaethje's potential retirement after win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250

Justin Gaethje sent shockwaves across the mixed martial arts community with his thrilling victory against Ilia Topuria in the headlining match of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14. 

Gaethje entered the fight as an ex-BMF champion and the interim UFC lightweight titleholder. On the other hand, Topuria went into it as an ex-UFC featherweight titlist and the UFC lightweight champion. 

Many predicted that the 37-year-old Gaethje would be unable to dethrone the 29-year-old Topuria, who boasted an undefeated MMA record at the time. Regardless, their fight ended up being a four-round war, with Gaethje winning via TKO when "El Matador" couldn't continue to the fifth and final round. 

Gaethje was thereby crowned as the undisputed UFC lightweight champion, and Topuria was handed his first MMA loss.

Well, UFC CEO and president Dana White is one of many MMA personalities who've expressed their respect for the incredible fight and both athletes. White has also touched upon the possibility of the veteran Gaethje retiring after his win over Topuria, a win which was considered a huge upset. 

Dana White talks about Justin Gaethje's potential retirement after UFC Freedom 250 win over Ilia Topuria

A number of MMA fans and experts speculated that Justin Gaethje would probably retire from the sport if he were to lose to Ilia Topuria.

"The Highlight" had previously challenged for the undisputed lightweight title twice, losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira in 2020 and in 2022, respectively. 

During a conversation with TMZ Sports after UFC Freedom 250, Dana White affirmed his appreciation for Topuria and Gaethje. 

Upon being asked what he'd say to Gaethje if he were to ask White for advice in regard to his possible retirement, the UFC boss stated: 

"I would never say anything. Listen, if you're thinking about retiring, and that's what you wanna do, you know, it's probably what you should do." 

Nevertheless, he also suggested that, on the contrary, it's a matter of fact that Gaethje is coming off an impressive stoppage win over an unbeaten elite fighter. White said: 

"But, on the flip side, you just beat an undefeated bada**, you know, decisively. Finished him. And, I don't know. It's just something that he (Gaethje) needs to work out with, you know, himself in his own mind, and with his family, obviously." 

 

Watch Dana White discuss Justin Gaethje's possible retirement below (*comments at the 10:52-minute mark of the video): 

Justin Gaethje sets aside retirement talk during conversation with Pat McAfee

As of this time, the consensus is that Ilia Topuria would require more than a few months to recover from the orbital bones' damage he sustained against Justin Gaethje.

The Georgian-Spaniard has called for a title rematch, whereas BMF champion and ex-lightweight kingpin Charles Oliveira has challenged Gaethje to a winner-takes-all clash. 

Furthermore, Gaethje appeared on The Pat McAfee Show after his title win and was asked about his possible MMA retirement. While the American fighter had previously hinted he's approaching the end of his career, he seemingly downplayed the retirement talks. 

Gaethje appeared to lightheartedly say, "Oh, my spirit will never retire, boys. I created that on Sunday." 

 

Check out Justin Gaethje address potential retirement during his conversation with Pat McAfee below (*comments at the 10:45-minute mark of the video):