Justin Gaethje has made his position clear regarding a potential rematch with Ilia Topuria.
The newly crowned UFC lightweight champion says Topuria will not receive an immediate opportunity to reclaim the belt following their title fight at UFC Freedom 250. Instead, Gaethje believes Arman Tsarukyan has done enough to earn the next shot at the 155-pound championship.
Speaking to RMC Sport Combat, Gaethje dismissed the idea of running back his fight with Topuria.
“He’s not fighting me next,” Gaethje said. “Why would he fight me next? Arman deserves it way more than him.”
Justin Gaethje Says Ilia Topuria Must Earn Another Title Shot
Gaethje emphasized that his victory over Topuria was decisive and not the result of a fortunate punch or lucky moment.
“I didn’t knock him out. I didn’t get lucky. I beat him up,” Gaethje said. “He’s gonna have to get a win before he fights for a championship.”
The former featherweight champion suffered the first loss of his UFC career when Gaethje captured the lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250. Although Topuria had success early in the contest, Gaethje rallied in the later rounds before the fight was stopped following extensive damage.
According to Gaethje, that outcome leaves no reason for an immediate rematch.
Arman Tsarukyan Emerges as Gaethje’s Preferred Challenger
Rather than facing Topuria again, Gaethje believes Arman Tsarukyan deserves the next opportunity to compete for UFC gold.
Tsarukyan has remained one of the division’s top contenders despite missing out on a title fight earlier in his career. His recent performances have kept him firmly in the championship conversation, and Gaethje believes his body of work outweighs Topuria’s case for an immediate rematch.
Gaethje’s comments also represent a shift in the lightweight title picture, with several contenders—including Max Holloway, Paddy Pimblett and Charles Oliveira—also positioning themselves for a future championship opportunity.
Justin Gaethje Questions Immediate Rematch Narrative
Gaethje also questioned whether Topuria has publicly pushed for another fight.
“He didn’t say he wants a rematch. If I hear him say he wants a rematch, I would be very surprised. We haven’t even seen him,” Gaethje said.
While Gaethje praised Topuria’s abilities and acknowledged he remains one of the division’s elite fighters, the champion believes another victory should be required before the former titleholder competes for the belt again.
What’s Next for the UFC Lightweight Division?
Gaethje’s stance could shape the UFC’s next lightweight title fight.
If the promotion follows the champion’s preferred path, Tsarukyan could be next in line for a championship opportunity, while Topuria may need to return to the Octagon against another top contender before earning a rematch.
With multiple elite lightweights chasing the title, the UFC’s 155-pound division remains one of the most competitive in the sport, and Gaethje has made it clear where he believes the next title shot should go.
