Justin Gaethje plans UFC return and rejects Ilia Topuria rematch
Newly crowned UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje plans to continue his fighting career following his historic title victory over Ilia Topuria.
The American captured the 155lb belt at UFC Freedom 250 last week after forcing the former champion to quit on his stool.
Speculation had mounted regarding a potential retirement following the landmark event held at the White House.
However, the titleholder dismissed those rumours during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience released on Saturday.
No immediate rematch for Topuria
“Right now, I’m planning on fighting again,” he stated during the interview.
“There’s not something natural in me that feels like it’s over.”
Despite Topuria’s status as the former champion, an immediate second encounter has been firmly ruled out.
“He doesn’t get a rematch. He can try but he doesn’t get one,” stated the newly minted champion.
Wealth of lightweight options await
“He quit on the stool. He quit twice. I stopped him twice, what else do I have to do?”
The division kingpin instead suggested the defeated fighter should face contenders such as Paddy Pimblett to rebuild his momentum.
The 155lb weight class currently boasts several top-tier challengers eager for a championship opportunity.
Third-ranked Arman Tsarukyan remains a logical contender, though the champion admitted he does not yet have a specific opponent in mind.
Looming shadows of McGregor and Holloway
Former titleholder Charles Oliveira also sits prominently in the rankings without a scheduled bout for the remainder of 2026.
Meanwhile, rising star Mauricio Ruffy recently cemented his contender status with a dominant stoppage over Michael Chandler.
Another lucrative avenue could emerge from the upcoming welterweight clash between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.
The two veteran fighters are scheduled to meet at UFC 329 in Las Vegas this July.
A chance for BMF redemption
A showdown against the Irish superstar would represent a massive commercial event that has never previously materialised.
Alternatively, a rematch with Holloway offers a clear path for competitive redemption.
The Hawaiian famously secured a spectacular last-second knockout victory for the BMF title at UFC 300 in 2024.
An opportunity to avenge that dramatic defeat would undoubtedly appeal to the reigning lightweight king.
