Justin Gaethje

UFC CEO Dana White declined to designate the Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy co-main event at UFC 331 as an official number-one contender bout, saying he prefers to wait until the fight is finished before making any such declaration. Both Tsarukyan and Ruffy have publicly claimed the winner will be next in line for Justin Gaethje's lightweight title. UFC 331, headlined by a flyweight title rematch between Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja, takes place September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

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Justin Gaethje says he is still unable to throw punches following his most recent fight, with both hands causing him pain and a knee hematoma that has persisted across his last two bouts. Gaethje added he plans to enjoy the championship through the end of the year after already competing twice in 2025, and will consult with family before deciding on his next move. He noted that having just delivered his best-ever performance against a widely considered unbeatable opponent is a compelling reason to keep fighting.

Justin Gaethje says he has not yet recovered from his fight with Ilia Topuria and will take time with family before weighing his options. He acknowledges that the decision on his next bout ultimately rests with the UFC. Gaethje added that he does not expect his next fight to be a rematch with Topuria, noting that Topuria is also still recovering.

Topuria

Charles Oliveira has no fight booked and has not yet begun negotiations with the UFC, according to his manager and head coach Diego Lima. The BMF titleholder recently returned to training following the death of teammate Allan Nascimento and is targeting a return before the end of 2026, likely on a November or December numbered event. Oliveira's preferred next fight is a rematch with lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, though Lima also identified Arman Tsarukyan and Diego Lopes as strong potential opponents if a title shot is not immediately available.

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Charles Oliveira has issued a formal callout to Justin Gaethje for a rematch, offering to fight anywhere in the world — Las Vegas, Japan, or Gaethje's own backyard. Oliveira says all he needs is a call with a date and time, and argues there is no better story for the UFC to tell. With Gaethje holding the BMF title, the lightweight title, and a White House tournament belt, Oliveira says he is happy to put all three on the line.

Oliveira

Michael Bisping has publicly condemned the California State Athletic Commission for withholding the fight purses of Paddy Pimblett, Max Holloway, and Gable Steveson following their celebrations at UFC 329, calling the rule a 'crime'. All three fighters scaled the Octagon after their victories on July 11, mirroring a move that previously cost Diego Lopes $2,500 after UFC 300. Bisping joins Daniel Cormier in criticising the CSAC policy, with disciplinary hearings now approaching for the trio.

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