Justin Gaethje rejects Ilia Topuria’s immediate UFC rematch push

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje shut down any notion of an immediate rematch with Ilia Topuria, insisting the former contender must first prove himself with another victory.

Gaethje defeated Topuria for the undisputed 155-pound title at UFC Freedom 250 in a competitive fight. Though Topuria, the betting favourite, nearly finished Gaethje in the second round, the champion surged back over the final two frames to dominate and secure the win. When asked about a quick rematch, Gaethje was emphatic: the loss must come with consequences.

"No, he's not fighting me next," Gaethje told RMC Sport Combat. "Why would he fight me next? Arman deserves it way more than him. I didn't knock him out, I didn't get lucky, I beat him up. He's gonna have to get a win before he fights for a championship. He didn't say he wanted a rematch. If he uses his mouth and says, 'I want a rematch,' I will be very surprised. We haven't even seen him."

Topuria (17-1) had entered the title fight undefeated and fresh off consecutive knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira. Gaethje (28-5) views the loss as a clear beating rather than a fluke, and believes Arman Tsarukyan is the more deserving contender for the next shot. Other names circling the lightweight throne include Paddy Pimblett and Holloway, who returned to winning form at UFC 329. For Topuria, earning another title opportunity will require a return to the winner's circle.