Justin Gaethje claims Ilia Topuria will never become UFC lightweight champion again

Justin Gaethje fought Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250. He inflicted too much damage on ‘El Matador' that his corner stopped the fight after the fourth round. With the victory, the American dethroned the Spaniard to capture the lightweight title. This brutal defeat marked the two-division champion’s first career defeat. 

Amid the rematch talks, Gaethje has questioned whether Topuria could become lightweight champion again and believes ‘El Matador' is simply undersized for the 155-pound division. 

Justin Gaethje doubts Ilia Topuria will ever reclaim UFC lightweight gold

In his recent appearance on the ‘Flagrant’ YouTube channel, Gaethje made a bold claim that Topuria will never become the lightweight champion again. The American believes ‘El Matador could have more success if he returned to featherweight.

“I don't think he's a lightweight, I think he should go down,” Gaethje said. “I think if he could beat Volkanovski, he'd be champion at featherweight. I don't think he'll ever be champion at lightweight.”

When asked why he does not see Topuria becoming lightweight champion again, Gaethje pointed to the division's depth. He mentioned that he could not get past  Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett, who could create serious problems for the Spaniard. The reigning champion concluded by emphasizing that ‘El Matador' is too undersized for the 155-pound division. 

“Well, he can't beat Arman. He's going to have a difficult time with Paddy. There's a bunch of dogs. This sport is crazy, so obviously, little luck, little chance, always involved. Of course. Can he get lucky, and is he skilled enough? Absolutely. I think he's undersized for lightweight,” Gaethje added.

Check out Justin Gaethje's comments below:

Meanwhile, Topuria doesn't feel that way. He recently shared that he is ready to make his comeback and has demanded a rematch with Gaethje.  He has also accused ‘The Highlight' of cheating with loaded gloves in the fight at UFC Freedom 250. However, many believe it's just a tactic to build anticipation for a potential rematch and pressure to get it. 

Interestingly, Gaethje and his team have shown little to no interest in a rematch, underscoring how decisively the American beat Topuria. 

Ali Abdelaziz dismisses Ilia Topuria rematch with Justin Gaethje

Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, emphasized that ‘The Highlight' will beat Topuria nine out of ten times and didn't entertain the idea of a rematch. 

“He’s not fighting Justin Gaethje next. Only one guy in the past did that. His name is Conor McGregor, and he’s not Conor McGregor, and nobody is. I believe Justin Gaethje will beat him 9 out of 10 times. Justin has his number. You will never—this fight will never happen," Abdelaziz said.