Gaethje: Topuria must earn another title shot

The new lightweight champion believes Arman Tsarukyan deserves the next title fight and says Ilia Topuria needs another win before competing for UFC gold again.

Justin Gaethje is convinced that Ilia Topuria has to earn another shot at a title fight.

Justin Gaethje faced Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 and went into the fight as a clear underdog. However, he inflicted significant damage on Ilia Topuria, forcing his corner to throw in the towel before the final round. As a result, Justin Gaethje became the new lightweight champion, and this title seems to have given him a huge boost in confidence. Ilia Topuria originally wanted to request a rematch to make amends. However, Justin Gaethje has a different opinion on the matter. He is convinced that Arman Tsarukyan has earned the title shot. He also makes it clear that he by no means won the fight by luck, but rather that he strongly dominated Ilia Topuria.

“No, he’s not fighting me next, why would he fight me next? Arman deserves it way more than him… I didn’t knock him out, I didn’t get lucky, I beat him up. He’s gonna have to get a win before he fights for a championship... He didn’t say he wanted a rematch. If he uses his mouth and says, ‘I want a rematch,’ I will be very surprised. We haven’t even seen him”

he told RMC Sport Combat.

It’s worth noting that Ilia Topuria was undefeated going into the fight and had racked up some impressive knockout victories. Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and even Charles Oliveira all got a taste of Ilia Topuria’s skills.

It remains to be seen what the future really holds for Ilia Topuria. However, it shouldn’t take him too long to earn his next shot at the title.

In my opinion, Justin Gaethje is exaggerating a bit here. Yes, he defeated Ilia Topuria, but I think a little respect after the fight would be appropriate. What do you think?