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.
Justin Gaethje has poured cold water on the prospect of an immediate rematch with Ilia Topuria, saying the decision on what comes next for him belongs to the UFC.
Speaking publicly following their recent fight, Gaethje, 37, said he has not yet physically recovered and plans to spend time with his family before seriously considering his options. He made clear, however, that the UFC will ultimately shape whatever path lies ahead of him.
Gaethje, known as "The Highlight," carries a 28-5 record and holds the lightweight championship. The American out of Genesis Training Center stands five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach and has built a reputation as one of the division's most prolific strikers, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. His game is almost entirely built on stand-up exchanges — he averages just 0.33 takedowns per 15 minutes and has never attempted a submission.
Topuria, nicknamed "El Matador," is ranked first in the lightweight division and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings at just 29 years old. The Spain-based Georgian carries a 17-1 record and brings a more diverse offensive arsenal, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute alongside 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes. Gaethje noted that Topuria is also still in recovery, which he cited as another reason an immediate rematch seems unlikely in the near term.
Why it matters
- Gaethje holds lightweight gold, so any delay in his next fight leaves the division's title picture unsettled.
- His reluctance to call for a rematch opens the door for other contenders to push their claims at 155 pounds.
- Topuria sits at number one in the division and number one pound-for-pound, meaning his next move carries implications well beyond the lightweight rankings.
