Khabib is great in his own right – Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman has doubled down on his claim that Justin Gaethje is the most decorated lightweight fighter in mixed martial arts history.

Gaethje pulled off one of the biggest upset victories in recent memory to become the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.

The Highlight defeated Ilia Topuria via fourth-round knockout at UFC 315 last month, forcing the Georgian-Spanish fighter’s team to throw in the towel before the fifth round began.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Gaethje has also won the symbolic BMF title and captured the interim lightweight belt twice. Given this incredible resume, Usman believes Gaethje stands alone as the most decorated 155-pounder of all time—an opinion he originally expressed on the *Pound 4 Pound* podcast last month.

Unsurprisingly, Usman’s take ignited a fierce debate within the MMA community. However, the former welterweight champion is standing firm.

During a recent appearance on the ONX Sports show alongside Gaethje and head coach Trevor Wittman, Usman clarified his stance.

“The first two-time interim champion ever, the undisputed champion, and the BMF champion. What else? People try to say, ‘What about Khabib?’ Khabib is great in his own right, but when you say the most decorated, he [Gaethje] is.”

Usman further explained his criteria by comparing Gaethje to another legendary lightweight pioneer.

“Previously, I would have put Eddie Alvarez up there because Eddie went to different organizations and won belts, and then came here and got the UFC belt. But putting it all together, it’s Justin Gaethje. I’m not just saying that because he’s my friend,” he said.

In a separate interview on the Jim Rome Show, Gaethje shared his thoughts on a potential high-profile showdown against Conor McGregor.

Reflecting on his recent career trajectory and his desire to face the sport’s biggest superstar, Gaethje expressed a keen interest in the matchup.

“I’m very interested to see what happens in that fight. Max [Holloway] definitely knocked me out, but I feel like I got that one back with the Ilia Topuria fight. As I’ve stated hundreds of times publicly, I would love to punch Conor McGregor in the face. I’m excited about that fight. I’m excited to be there and watch it,” he said.

He noted that sharing the Octagon with the Irishman would secure both his financial future and his legacy in the sport.