Gaethje’s manager shuts down Topuria rematch hopes

Abdelaziz insists Topuria has no say in a rematch

Justin Gaethje’s manager is convinced that Ilia Topuria should have absolutely no say in the matter when it comes to a rematch between the two.

Ilia Topuria suffered his first professional loss against Justin Gaethje and also lost his UFC lightweight title to him. Since then, he has been calling for a rematch, but Abdelaziz has flatly rejected that possibility.

In an interview with Submission Radio, Abdelaziz emphasized that Ilia Topuria does not have the authority to demand an immediate rematch. He also claims that Justin Gaethje would easily defeat Ilia Topuria and would therefore win a rematch as well.

“He's not fighting Justin Gaethje next. He doesn't call the shots. Only one guy in the past did that and his name is Conor McGregor and he's not Conor McGregor. Nobody is. He was a favorite because everybody thought he was better than Justin. I believe Justin Gaethje will beat him nine out of 10 times. You know why? Justin has his number. I don't think he can beat Justin Gaethje. He thinks he can, and he should think he can. He was close to beating Justin Gaethje, but he didn't. At the end of the day, this fight will never happen. I can tell you this: Justin Gaethje has zero gain to beat Ilia Topuria again”

he said.

He also addressed the allegations made by Ilia Topuria that Justin Gaethje might have had something in his glove. However, he dismissed these allegations in a rather humorous way and saw it more as a compliment. So the only one who really wants a rematch in this scenario is Ilia Topuria. But if you look at the facts, that wouldn’t necessarily be wise. He’d probably be putting his career on the line, since another loss would cost him dearly. It makes more sense to get back on track first. What do you think?

It’s been clear for a while that Justin Gaethje isn’t necessarily interested in an immediate rematch. The only question is, how does the UFC view this? It would certainly be the fight with the biggest payoff. But I hope this isn’t just about success, it’s also about careers.