Justin Gaethje explains the one thing that feels different since finally becoming UFC champion

Justin Gaethje claimed the undisputed lightweight crown in his third attempt.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira had previously stalled Gaethje’s push to secure the final word prize within the UFC at 155 kilos.

Ilia Topuria was unable to affix them in doing so, as an alternative dropping the title to ‘The Highlight’ in an enormous upset on the White House event in June.

Gaethje is now the undisputed UFC lightweight champion for the primary time, but life shouldn’t be all that different for the bonus-winning machine.

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Justin Gaethje admits it’s an odd feeling to not be ‘chasing’ anything within the UFC

Gaethje battered Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 to go away their unification fight in Washington, DC, as the brand new champion.

Since then, ‘The Highlight’ has not been specializing in his future contained in the Octagon, as talk of Gaethje retiring as an alternative of defending his title continues to drift across the MMA community.

The veteran lightweight didn’t discuss his plans during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, but he did reflect on how he feels now that the undisputed gold is finally in his possession.

Gaethje said the very fact he now not wakes up chasing a goal in MMA’s leading promotion is the one real difference he has experienced thus far.

“Life really hasn’t modified,” Gaethje said.

“I could let or not it’s as big as I would like to or not change anything. Nothing feels different.

“I don’t have something to chase each morning after I get up, in order that feels somewhat bit foreign. First time I’ve ever felt that in my life.

“That is actually the largest difference,” he continued. “Outside of that, I still must make the correct selections.”

Gaethje has been noncommittal in relation to an Octagon return, having ruled out a title defense obviously in 2027.

The champ’s mother allegedly told United States vice chairman JD Vance that her son will probably be retiring after his UFC Freedom 250 title win.

It stays to be seen if that memorable night will mark the conclusion of Gaethje’s memorable profession. If not, a rematch with Topuria or first-time showdown with Arman Tsarukyan could await.