“He made you quit”: Belal Muhammad says Ilia Topuria doesn’t deserve immediate rematch with Justin Gaethje
Belal Muhammad has explained why he believes Ilia Topuria does not deserve an immediate rematch with Justin Gaethje and suggested Paddy Pimblett as his next opponent.
Ilia Topuria lost his lightweight title to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. In his first statement after the devastating defeat, he said that upon his return to the octagon, he wants the immediate opportunity to reclaim the belt. Now, after months, Topuria’s comeback talks are ongoing, and many critics suggest a rematch with Gaethje should be next. At the same time, others argue that he doesn't deserve an immediate title shot and must face top-ranked opponents to earn it.
Recently, former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad weighed in on the ongoing discussion, emphasized that ‘El Matador' should not get the opportunity to fight Gaethje, and suggested an opponent for his UFC return.
Belal Muhammad reveals ideal opponent for Ilia Topuria’s UFC return
In his recent YouTube video, Muhammad argued that Topuria does not deserve an immediate rematch because he believes the former champion was already beaten decisively by Gaethje. He pointed out how the fight ended and feels that ‘The Highlight’ made the Spaniard quit in their first meeting, making it difficult to justify an immediate rematch.
“What do I think about it? I don’t think Topuria deserves it. It was a great fight, but he made you quit,” Muhammad said.
Topuria suffered too much damage against Gaethje. Both his eyes were swollen, almost shut, after taking more beatings from the UFC veteran in the fourth round. After the round, the ‘El Matador' corner stopped the fight, and the American awarded the victory. Many felt that it was the former lightweight champion's decision not to continue, and many critics, including Muhammad, called him a quitter and argued that he doesn't deserve the rematch.
Interestingly, Muhammad believes Topuria should take another fight before returning to the title picture and sees Paddy Pimblett as an ideal opponent.
“Let’s get you another fight, Paddy Pimblett’s right there, I think the Paddy Pimblett fight makes the most sense,” Muhammad added.
Check out Belal Muhammad’s comments below:
Meanwhile, UFC CEO Dana White recently shared that Topuria is ready for a comeback and has expressed a different opinion from Muhammad, suggesting opponents for the Spaniard.
Dana White weighs Justin Gaethje rematch vs. Paddy Pimblett showdown for Ilia Topuria
Speaking with Jim Rome, White revealed that the team had been in touch with the former champion and shared a positive update that Topuria is ready to fight again.
Talking about who he could face in return, White believes both options are open: a rematch with Gaethje or a big showdown against Pimblett.
White said, “Both sound good to me. They're both great. We don't lose with either one of those fights. They are both great fights; I don't know. Obviously the rematch with Gaethje is incredible. A Paddy Pimblett fight is amazing — as bad as those two hate each other.”
Check out Dana White's comments below:
