Ilia Topuria Leaves Fans Curious After Hinting at UFC’s Surprising Plans for Justin Gaethje

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria talks about Justin Gaethje ahead of the upcoming interim championship bout at UFC 324.

Ilia Topuria Leaves Fans Curious After Hinting at UFC’s Surprising Plans for Justin Gaethje

Ilia Topuria believes UFC has plans for Justin Gaethje (via X)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Ilia Topuria was initially rumored to compete at the first-ever UFC-Paramount card in January, but personal reasons forced him to withdraw. The UFC responded by giving the main-event slot to Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett, creating an interim lightweight title bout. However, the announcement faced criticism with fans questioning meritocracy in the UFC. 

Despite the negativity, excitement remains massive due to their explosive styles and the stacked UFC 324 fight card. Both superstars will compete for interim lightweight gold, with the winner expected to face ‘El Matador’ next. However, in a recent interview, Ilia Topuria revealed intriguing insider information regarding Gaethje’s current situation.

 If Justin wins, the UFC has different plans that I can’t talk about at the moment. But if I were offered to fight Justin at the White House, it would also be very exciting for me. It would be something I would be very excited about.

Ilia Topuria via CCLegaspi

The UFC White House event is expected to take place in June 2026, becoming the most anticipated showcase in the promotion’s history. UFC CEO Dana White has promised to deliver the biggest card ever, featuring champions, superstars, and once-in-a-lifetime matchups.

The event is significant because it symbolizes the long-standing relationship between the UFC and the current President of the United States, Donald Trump. According to Trump, the UFC has planned 8-9 major bouts for the White House event, raising massive expectations. The lightweight division is likely to play a major role, with Topuria emerging as one of its biggest superstars.

Although rumours suggested Ilia Topuria fighting Islam Makhachev, both fighters currently appear occupied with title responsibilities in their respective divisions. Topuria understands the UFC booked Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje because he was unavailable to compete at UFC 324.

Heading into the fight, the Scouser is the betting favorite due to his undefeated run and dangerous grappling skills. For Gaethje, this bout represents his final opportunity to get closer to the undisputed UFC champion status after failing twice before.

Ilia Topuria shows respect for Paddy Pimblett following recent comments 

Ilia Topuria’s beef with Paddy Pimblett started after verbal exchanges, disrespectful comments, and a heated altercation backstage. The rivalry escalated through interviews and social media, with both fighters mocking each other’s skills, resumes, and legitimacy. Currently, the feud remains unresolved, as fans continue demanding a future clash that could settle their long-running rivalry.

Ilia Topuria credits Paddy Pimblett
Ilia Topuria credits Paddy Pimblett (via X)

Ilia Topuria stepped away from competition due to undisclosed personal and family matters, choosing privacy over public explanation. Several fighters, and former rivals such as Max Holloway and Pimblett publicly supported his decision, emphasizing that family responsibilities must always come first. In his recent interview, the lightweight champion credited the UK native for his comments. 

I always said he looked like someone who’s a super entertaining guy who did a superb job. He had his slips with a tweet that he made about Georgia. But I think we all learn from our mistakes. But deep down I notice that he is a person that understands family problems, respects it.

Ilia Topuria continued. 

Paddy Pimblett defeated Michael Chandler via TKO in his last outing and now aims to repeat that performance against Justin Gaethje. The confident Scouser believes he will get his hand raised at UFC 324 and earn the right to challenge Ilia Topuria later in 2026. 

If ‘El Matador’ is unavailable to compete, Pimblett feels the lightweight title should be vacated. It will be interesting to see how the new year reshapes the lightweight division and its championship picture.

Also Read: