Justin Gaethje has made his position crystal clear. The newly crowned UFC lightweight champion has no interest in giving Ilia Topuria an immediate rematch after their brutal clash at UFC Freedom 250, insisting there are more deserving contenders waiting in line.
Gaethje shocked the MMA world last month when he dismantled the previously unbeaten Topuria in the main event of the historic White House card. The victory not only earned him the undisputed lightweight championship but also handed Topuria the first defeat of his professional career.
Now, as speculation grows around Gaethje’s first title defense, the veteran has publicly backed Arman Tsarukyan as the fighter who deserves the next opportunity.
Justin Gaethje dismisses immediate Topuria rematch
Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience MMA Show, Justin Gaethje shut down suggestions that Topuria should receive another shot at the title.
When asked whether Topuria should be next in line, the champion did not hesitate.
No, he doesn’t get a rematch. He quit on the stool. He quit twice. I stopped him twice. What else do I have to do? His next challenge can’t be me. He needs to fight Paddy or someone like that.
Gaethje later doubled down during an interview with RMC Sport Combat, maintaining that the former champion has not earned another title opportunity.
“No, he’s not fighting me next. Why would he fight me next? Arman deserves it way more than him.”
The American also dismissed the idea that his victory came through luck.
I didn’t knock him out. I didn’t get lucky. I beat him up. He’s going to have to get a win before he fights for a championship.
UFC Freedom 250 changed the division
Heading into UFC Freedom 250, Topuria entered as one of the sport’s biggest stars. The undefeated former featherweight champion had already defeated Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira while establishing himself as one of the UFC’s most dominant fighters.
Most observers expected him to defend his lightweight crown successfully against the 37 year old Gaethje.
Instead, Justin Gaethje produced one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.
The veteran relentlessly pressured Topuria throughout four rounds, opening severe cuts and damaging both of his opponent’s eyes. According to Topuria’s team, the Georgian Spanish star suffered double orbital fractures, although surgery was ultimately not required.
After losing vision during the contest, Topuria’s corner elected to stop the fight before the fifth round, crowning Gaethje as the new lightweight champion.
Following the defeat, Topuria admitted his rival was the better fighter on the night while hinting that he intends to return stronger.
Arman Tsarukyan emerges as leading contender
While Topuria’s camp has expressed hope of securing a rematch later this year, Gaethje believes another contender has earned that privilege.
Arman Tsarukyan has long been considered one of the division’s elite competitors, and reports have linked him with a possible showdown against Charles Oliveira at UFC 331 in what could serve as a title eliminator.
Gaethje believes Tsarukyan deserves priority over every other challenger.
He also questioned why anyone would place Topuria ahead of established contenders.
Do you think he should fight me next over Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway and Tsarukyan? We haven’t even seen him. The kid is good. Whoever fights him next is going to be in trouble, but it ain’t gonna be me.
Those comments suggest Gaethje views the lightweight title picture as merit based rather than driven by star power.
Plenty of options remain for the UFC
Despite Gaethje’s stance, the final decision rests with UFC CEO Dana White and the promotion’s matchmakers.
Several intriguing possibilities remain on the table.
Tsarukyan appears to have the strongest sporting case, especially if he defeats Oliveira in a rumored UFC 331 matchup. Oliveira himself remains a former champion with elite credentials, while Max Holloway strengthened his position after adding another marquee victory to his resume.
Meanwhile, Topuria could be matched against Paddy Pimblett in a high profile contender bout before earning another crack at championship gold.
Gaethje has also indicated that he plans to take time away from competition after consecutive victories over Paddy Pimblett and Topuria, meaning the lightweight division may continue to evolve before the champion returns.
For now, one thing is certain. Gaethje has no intention of revisiting his rivalry with Topuria until the former champion proves he belongs back in the title conversation.
Whether the UFC agrees remains to be seen, but the race to challenge the lightweight king has become one of the most compelling storylines in mixed martial arts.
Follow FIGHTCORE for more updates.
