Justin Gaethje shuts down Ilia Topuria immediate rematch: ‘He quit twice’

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Merab Dvalishvili Claims Ilia Topuria Fought Blind Against Justin Gaethje

   Justin Gaethje has rejected an immediate rematch with Ilia Topuria. Merab Dvalishvili alleges Topuria suffered severe vision impairment during the bout. Topuria has vowed to reclaim the title despite his first professional defeat.

   What's confirmed:

   • Ilia Topuria suffered the first defeat of his professional career after his corner stopped the fight following the fourth round.
   • Topuria stated he would make no excuses for the loss and vowed to return to reclaim the title.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Merab Dvalishvili claims Topuria was fighting blind from the first round due to an eye poke from Justin Gaethje.
   • Dvalishvili alleges Topuria was blind in both eyes during the fight.
   • Dvalishvili says he has had trouble sleeping due to stress over Topuria's loss.
   confidence 90%
2. 5d ago

   Justin Gaethje Rejects Topuria Rematch and Sets 2027 Return Target

   UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has ruled out an immediate rematch with Ilia Topuria. Gaethje believes Topuria must win another fight before earning a second chance. The champion plans to continue fighting and is seeking better compensation and equity benefits.

   What's confirmed:

   • Justin Gaethje declined an immediate rematch with Ilia Topuria.
   • Gaethje does not plan to retire after his win at the UFC White House event.
   • Gaethje stated Topuria must secure another victory before a second meeting.
   • The fight between Gaethje and Topuria ended after four rounds when the corner stopped the bout.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Gaethje plans to return to competition in early 2027.
   • Gaethje is pushing for equity benefits and better compensation.
   • Gaethje suggested Topuria face Paddy Pimblett.
   • Gaethje compared the Topuria fight to his victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 249.
   confidence 90%
3. 9d ago

   Justin Gaethje Rejects Immediate Rematch with Ilia Topuria

   UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has declined an immediate rematch with Ilia Topuria following his victory at UFC Freedom 250. Gaethje stated that Topuria "quit twice" and does not deserve another fight. The champion currently has no plans to retire and is planning to fight again.

   What's confirmed:

   • Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 to become the lightweight champion.
   • Gaethje has declined an immediate rematch with Topuria.
   • Gaethje stated that Topuria "quit twice" during their fight.
   • Justin Gaethje has no plans to retire and is planning to fight again.
   confidence 100%