Justin Gaethje has dominated out giving Ilia Topuria a right away rematch, arguing that Arman Tsarukyan has carried out extra to earn the subsequent UFC light-weight title shot. The champion says Topuria wants one other win earlier than returning to a championship combat.
Gaethje was direct when requested about working it again with Topuria after their title combat. “He’s not preventing me subsequent,” Gaethje mentioned, earlier than asking why the previous champion ought to transfer straight again right into a title bout.
Justin Gaethje Shuts Down Ilia Topuria Rematch Discuss After UFC Freedom 250
The brand new light-weight champion rejected any suggestion that his victory was a fluke. Gaethje mentioned he didn’t rating a one-shot knockout or profit from success; in his view, he managed the competition and “beat him up.”
Gaethje stopped Topuria within the fourth spherical at UFC Freedom 250 when Topuria’s nook ended the combat after injury accrued round his face and eyes. The end introduced Topuria’s run as light-weight champion to an finish and positioned Gaethje again on the high of a packed 155-pound division.
For Gaethje, the subsequent contender needs to be Tsarukyan. He mentioned the Armenian contender “deserves it far more” than Topuria, a notable change from final yr, when Gaethje had argued he was forward of Tsarukyan within the queue for a title alternative.
Tsarukyan strengthened his case by submitting Dan Hooker within the second spherical in November 2025, shifting his document to 23-3. He had beforehand been booked to problem then-champion Islam Makhachev in January 2025, however withdrew on the eve of the combat due to a again harm.
That withdrawal initially value Tsarukyan momentum with the UFC. Gaethje himself mentioned in January that Tsarukyan was possible the extra deserving challenger on sporting advantage, whereas acknowledging the promotion was sad with the late cancellation.
Gaethje believes Topuria should re-enter the contender combine somewhat than await a rematch. “He’s gonna should get a win earlier than he fights for a championship,” he mentioned, including that Topuria may even return to featherweight, the place he constructed his identify earlier than shifting as much as light-weight.
The champion additionally listed different doable opponents, together with Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway, whereas noting there are nonetheless fights to unfold earlier than a possible rematch window. He questioned whether or not Topuria himself has publicly pressed for the combat, saying the previous champion has not been particularly seen for the reason that loss.
Topuria stays a harmful project regardless of Gaethje’s dismissal of a right away sequel. Gaethje referred to as him a very good fighter and mentioned whoever faces him subsequent may have a troublesome night time, however he made one level clear: it is not going to be Gaethje subsequent.
