Despite setbacks, Justin Gaethje never lost hope of becoming undisputed UFC champ

Justin Gaethje captured his first undisputed UFC title at UFC Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C., after nearly being finished by a body shot. On What Hones You, coach Trevor Wittman asked Justin Gaethje about becoming an undisputed champion at UFC Freedom 250 against Ilia Topuria. He addressed prior championship setbacks to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira and a BMF loss to Max Holloway. Gaethje recalled planning a title shot after knocking out Dustin Poirier before matchmaking changed as Ilia Topuria moved to lightweight. A second win over Rafael Fiziev and an interim title over Paddy Pimblett set up the unification. A corner stoppage at UFC Freedom 250 finalized the outcome, with Gaethje citing steady improvement and sustained confidence.