Goodbye Topuria: UFC star’s frank admission on lightweight title fight

UFC fans are still waiting for confirmation on when Ilia Topuria will return to the Octagon - and who will challenge the Spanish-Georgian fighter for his lightweight title after his emphatic victory over Charles Oliveira this past June.

Among the many names floated as potential opponents, one stands out: American Justin Gaethje, a perennial force in the division.

“I can’t really see that happening”

However, in a candid message shared on social media, Gaethje admitted the matchup may not be imminent. “My next fight? I am planning on fighting whenever Ilia Topuria is fighting,” Gaethje said. “I was hoping they would let me fight him in January, but I can’t really see that happening now. The biggest question is: When is Ilia fighting again? I don’t know the answer to that and I don’t know that anybody except him and his team know the answer to that.”

Still, Gaethje left the door open for a potential showdown - especially if the UFC moves forward with its rumored event at the White House.

“The best-case scenario now is they just put us on the White House card,” the 36-year-old said. “I can cannot imagine why they would not put that fight on that card.

“You know, he’s a champ, he’s very popular; I’m an American, just as deserving as anybody in the lightweight division. I’ve never, never not shown up for a fight, never let the UFC down. Never failed them and I’ve always been there for them. So I expect to get that fight and represent the United States of America on the White House lawn.”

Who is the leading candidate to face Topuria for the title?

All signs point to Topuria’s longtime nemesis - British fighter Paddy Pimblett - as the frontrunner for the next title shot.

The rivalry between Pimblett and Topuria is well-documented. Their animosity dates back to a fiery encounter in London in 2021, when the Briton infamously threw a soap dispenser at Topuria. Since then, Pimblett has repeatedly indicated he wants the fight, and Topuria hasn’t backed down - publicly stating it’s the matchup fans are clamoring to see.

Still, UFC fans will have to wait a bit longer for official confirmation of who will stand opposite Topuria in his first lightweight title defense.

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