“It screams rematch”: UFC Hall of Famer explains why Ilia Topuria deserves immediate Justin Gaethje rematch

Ilia Topuria has been the most talked-about UFC fighter this week, as UFC CEO Dana White has provided an update on Topuria’s return and shared that he is ready to return after his loss to Justin Gaethje in June. White also showed interest in the rematch fight between them. 

This has sparked a long discussion about whether Topuria deserved to fight Gaethje for the UFC lightweight title in an immediate rematch. Recently, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen weighed in and shared his thoughts. 

Chael Sonnen backs Ilia Topuria for immediate Justin Gaethje rematch

In his recent YouTube video, Sonnen questioned why Topuria should have to rebuild his way back to the title after everything he accomplished before losing the lightweight title to Gaethje. He argues that an undefeated champion suffering an upset loss as a significant favorite is exactly the type of situation that calls for an immediate rematch.

“You're telling me Ilia Topuria has to earn the right to get back to the very belt that he handed over? That match is not justified,” Sonnen said. “Yes, it is. Excuse me. Ilia versus Justin Gaethje is not just an idea. It's clearly the right idea. Anytime that an undefeated champion goes out and gets upset when he was a three-to-one favorite, it screams rematch.”

Check out Chael Sonnen’s comments below:

While Sonnen believes that Topuria is the most deserving to get the title fight against Gaethje in their immediate rematch, others argue that, in the fashion ‘El Matador' lost to the American, he should not be asking for the immediate rematch. 

Topuria's face was heavily damaged by the punishment Gaethje inflicted on him. The Spaniard's eyes were almost swollen shut. In the fourth round, ‘The Highlight' inflicted more damage, and the former UFC champion’s corner stopped the fight after the round, awarding the lightweight belt to the 37-year-old. 

Since the narrative is going around that Topuria quit in the fight against Gaethje, and should not demand an immediate rematch. Recently, former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has shared his take. 

Belal Muhammad believes Paddy Pimblett is the right test for Ilia Topuria

Muhammad, speaking on his YouTube channel, stressed that he doesn't want Topuria to get the immediate rematch against the reigning champion, highlighting how the fight ended at UFC Freedom 250. He feels that the former two-division champion should earn a title shot by getting a victory over a top-ranked lightweight like Paddy Pimblett. 

“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. “Let’s get you another fight, Paddy Pimblett’s right there, I think the Paddy Pimblett fight makes the most sense.”

Check out Belal Muhammad's comments below: