It’s still early to talk about it, and the final decision is up to the UFC, but Justin Gaethje (28-5) does not see an immediate revenge against Ilia Topuria (17-1). The ‘Matador’, who has already made it clear that he wants to regain the throne and beat the American, is not the next in line… according to Gaethje.
“(Ilia) doesn’t deserve a rematch. You can try, but you won’t have it. He gave up on the stool, I stopped him twice, what else do I have to do? Your next challenge cannot be me. “He needs to fight Paddy or someone like that,” were the words of the current lightweight champion on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
You can try, but you won’t have it
Something that he had already insisted on days ago, after the fight in the White House, and that he claimed again. Both, meanwhile, are under medical suspension for the next 180 days (six months), So a fight by anyone in 2026 seems complicated unless there is a rapid recovery.
It would not be unreasonable, of course, to think about a fight between Gaethje and Tsarukyan while Ilia recovers, whose injuries are more serious than those of the American. Even if Pimblett wins against Saint-Denis on July 11, a path could be opened to celebrate that highly anticipated fight against Topuria.
Next month, of course, should provide clues as to what steps the UFC will take in the 155-pound division.
