Justin Gaethje shuts down Ilia Topuria rematch: 'I stopped him twice'

Justin Gaethje has no interest in running back his UFC White House victory over Ilia Topuria.

The new undisputed lightweight champion told Joe Rogan on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience that Topuria forfeited his right to an immediate rematch when his corner threw in the towel before the fifth round. "He doesn't get a rematch," Gaethje said, per MMA Fighting. "He quit on the stool. I stopped him twice. What else do I have to f*cking do?"

How Gaethje earned the corner stoppage at UFC Freedom 250

Topuria nearly finished Gaethje in the second round with a series of body shots that dropped him to the canvas. The featherweight champion hunted for a submission but couldn't secure a finish before the horn, and appeared visibly fatigued heading into the third. Gaethje then dominated the next two rounds, and after the fourth, the doctor examined Topuria before allowing him to continue. His corner waved the fight off moments later.

"He wanted out," Gaethje told Rogan, according to MMA Mania. "You do not ever, as a fighter, say I cannot see. It's over. And he was counting on that. He had already stated it, he didn't need to say it again, I don't think he thought they were going to send him back out there."

Gaethje suggested Topuria fight Paddy Pimblett next and said the performance may have permanently altered how opponents approach the once-unbeaten champion. He compared the situation to his 2021 destruction of Tony Ferguson, noting that once fighters see someone pushed past their breaking point, the aura of invincibility vanishes.

The lightweight champion hasn't committed to retirement but told Rogan he expects to be compensated properly for delivering on three of the UFC's biggest stages — UFC 300, UFC 324, and UFC Freedom 250. He mentioned top-ranked Arman Tsarukyan as a potential next opponent if he continues fighting.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — ‘I stopped him twice that night’: Justin Gaethje doubles down on Ilia Topuria not deserving rematch after UFC White House | MMA Fighting
• mmamania.com — Justin Gaethje shuts down Ilia Topuria immediate rematch: ‘He quit twice’ | MMA Mania