Justin Gaethje Sends Strong Message to Ilia Topuria, Backs Arman Tsarukyan for Title Shot

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje explains why he doesn't want to give Ilia Topuria a rematch for the title.

Justin Gaethje Sends Strong Message to Ilia Topuria, Backs Arman Tsarukyan for Title Shot

Justin Gaethje does not want to give Ilia Topuria the next title shot (via MMA Fighting, Instagram)

Justin Gaethje shocked the UFC world at UFC Freedom 250 by defeating Ilia Topuria to win the lightweight title. The American champion brutalized Topuria throughout the fight, handing the Spaniard his first professional loss as his corner stopped the bout after the fourth round. The victory has played a major role in Gaethje’s decision to deny Topuria an immediate rematch.

Arman Tsarukyan has remained near the top of the lightweight division for years. After defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, he faced a nine-month suspension and later a back injury forced him out of his UFC 311 title fight. However, Tsarukyan returned at UFC Qatar with a submission win over Dan Hooker and has been waiting for a title shot.

Topuria’s dominance before the loss was unmatched, as the Spaniard entered UFC Freedom 250 riding a three-fight knockout streak. He had defeated Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, leading many to believe he deserved a rematch. However, Gaethje’s recent comments have shifted the lightweight title picture.

Why would he fight me next? Arman [Tsarukyan] deserves it way more than him, and a couple of fights are going to happen between now and then [December]. 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. He might go back to 145lbs. We don’t know what Ilia is doing.

Justin Gaethje via RMC Sport Combat

However, while Gaethje believes Topuria does not deserve an immediate title rematch, the American veteran still expects him to become better than everyone else in the lightweight division. Topuria’s current status remains unclear, as the former champion has largely stayed away from public appearances since the loss.

He didn’t say he wanted a rematch. If I hear him use his mouth and say, ‘I want a rematch,’ I’ll be very surprised. 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.

Justin Gaethje via RMC Sport Combat

While Gaethje maintains that Topuria has not asked for an immediate rematch, the Georgian-Spanish star’s first statement after the loss showed his desire to face the champion again. Topuria indicated that their rivalry was not over and that he expects a rematch in the future after their first encounter.

Tsarukyan, on the other hand, recently weighed in on his chances of receiving the next title shot. Instead of calling out Gaethje, the Armenian star suggested that the champion retire at the top, allowing him to face Liverpool star Paddy Pimblett for the vacant lightweight belt.

However, Gaethje is currently 37 years old, leading to doubts about his future in the sport. While the champion has maintained that there is no concrete retirement decision yet, US Vice President JD Vance recently revealed that Gaethje’s mother wants her son to step away from competition.

Justin Gaethje’s future has become a major talking point after his UFC Freedom 250 victory, but veteran fighter Matt Brown believes the lightweight champion should continue competing. Brown highlighted The Highlight’s ability to remain among the division’s elite and stated that the 37-year-old still has meaningful fights ahead.

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Justin Gaethje weighs in on the impact he leaves on opponents for their long-term career

Tony Ferguson was considered one of the UFC’s most dangerous lightweights before facing Justin Gaethje. He entered the fight on a 12-fight win streak, defeating names like Rafael dos Anjos, Anthony Pettis, and Donald Cerrone. His pace, durability, striking, and submissions made him one of the division’s most feared contenders.

Gaethje dominated Ferguson at UFC 249, delivering one of the most one-sided performances of his career. He landed heavy combinations, repeatedly hurt ‘El Cucuy’, and forced a stoppage after the fifth round. The loss ended Ferguson’s 12-fight win streak and handed him his first defeat since 2012.

Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje as UFC Lightweight champion (via Imagn)

After the loss to Gaethje, Ferguson went on an eight-fight losing streak before his retirement. A similar beating came against Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, where Gaethje handed the Spaniard his first professional loss. UFC commentator Joe Rogan recently heard about the impact of facing ‘The Highlight’ from the lightweight champion himself.

Same thing with Tony Ferguson, I didn’t break Tony Ferguson’s confidence. I changed the perception of his opponents of him. Nobody is ever going to go in there thinking he’s unbeatable now. That was his identity, and that’s going to be such a tough task for him to fight people that aren’t scared of him.

Justin Gaethje via JRE MMA Show #181

UFC veteran Michael Bisping highlighted the impact of the loss, as Topuria now faces the challenge of rebuilding after his first professional defeat. Justin Gaethje’s victory over Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 has become a major turning point for ‘El Matador’ after ending his undefeated run.

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