‘Undersized’ Ilia Topuria Will Not Win UFC Lightweight Title Again, Says Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje doubts that Ilia Topuria can become the champion again in the UFC lightweight division.

‘Undersized’ Ilia Topuria Will Not Win UFC Lightweight Title Again, Says Justin Gaethje

Ilia Topuria facing off against Justin Gaethje (Image via MMA Fighting)

Ilia Topuria didn’t assert the same dominance in the lightweight division that he asserted in the featherweight division. This is because he lost his first title defense against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. It was a brutal fight that saw him get medically suspended for 180 days.

Since then, ‘El Matador’ stayed away from public limelight for sometime while he was recovering. On the other hand, Gaethje has not recovered completely as well. ‘The Highlight’ may retire although he has not made the decision yet. He is waiting for a lucrative payday for his next fight.

Gaethje recently went on the Flagrant Podcast, hosted by comedian Andrew Schulz. On the podcast, the American fighter expressed doubt about the Georgian-Spanish fighter’s physique in the lightweight division. Gaethje advised Topuria to go back to the featherweight division.

I don’t think he’s a lightweight. I think he should go down, beat Volkanovski, and be champion again. I don’t think he’ll ever be champ at lightweight. He can’t beat Arman. He’ll have a difficult time with Paddy. There’s a bunch of dogs. This boy is crazy. Obviously, little luck or chance is always involved. Can he get lucky or is he skilled enough? Absolutely. I think he’s undersized for lightweight.

Justin Gaethje via Flagrant podcast

The lightweight division is stacked with contenders like Arman Tsarukyan, Paddy Pimblett, Quillan Salkilld, and Salahdine Parnasse to name a few. By the end of the year, free agent Usman Nurmagomedov is likely to enter the promotion as well.

In an earlier interview as well, ‘The Highlight’ spoke well of Topuria’s skill level and even said he wanted to see ‘El Matador’ prosper. Topuria looked like a world-beater at featherweight.

However, the weight cuts were getting too much for him. That’s why he moved up. Moreover, he also wanted to become the first fighter to win three-division world titles in the UFC.

At the moment, that is not likely. The UFC is likely to book Gaethje vs Tsarukyan next if the American champion does not retire. As such, ‘El Matador’ will have to wait a while before learning what his future holds.

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Arman Tsarukyan Asks Ilia Topuria to Step Aside to Face Justin Gaethje and Promises Future Title Shot

Justin Gaethje admits he may retire and lays out who he’ll face next to defend his title

It is going to be 10 years since Justin Gaethje started competing in the UFC. ‘The Highlight’ has fought so many top contenders at lightweight and won the title at the White House this year.

Justin Gaethje talks about Arman Tsarukyan
Justin Gaethje talks about Arman Tsarukyan (Image via MMA Fighting)

After UFC 331, Arman Tsarukyan is next in line for a title shot. However, Gaethje has yet to make a decision about his future.

Everyone’s like ‘fight Arman’. I have injuries I need to take care of. I haven’t made a decision. I’m 37 years old. I’ve had 40 fights. I don’t know. I don’t need to [fight again].

Justin Gaethje via Flagrant podcast

Tsarukyan was overlooked for a title shot in the past due to his controversial nature. After finishing Dan Hooker and Mauricio Ruffy in consecutive bouts, the promotion is poised to give him the next title shot.

At the same time, the Armenian contender will have to wait until next year to see if Gaethje is available for a title defense or not.

[Arman] is the next in line. If and when I defend this championship, that will be who I fight. I just don’t know right now. I’m just going to enjoy being the champion for the rest of the year. I’m going to make a business decision and a life decision whenever the time comes

Justin Gaethje via Flagrant podcast

Earlier, Tsarukyan told Justin Gaethje to retire. He argued that ‘The Highlight’ retiring would allow the title picture to not remain stagnant.

‘The Batman’ wanted to face Pimblett next with Gaethje out of the title picture. It remains to be seen what happens in the lightweight division moving forward.

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