Gaethje-Topuria Rematch Under Consideration

UFC commentator Jon Anik believes the promotion is seriously weighing an immediate rematch between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria, despite Gaethje's preference for other opponents.

"I think there are internal conversations to potentially try to do Gaethje vs. Topuria 2. A lot of people wonder aloud, 'What is next for Ilia Topuria?' And there's certainly an obvious foundation for a fight between him and Paddy Pimblett. But if you have Ilia Topuria, as a fight promoter, would you not want to think about putting him back in a championship setting, given how big UFC Freedom 250 was? I think there's strong consideration there," Anik

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Topuria suffered the first loss of his career in June, dropping the lightweight title to Gaethje via fourth-round corner stoppage. Gaethje has instead expressed more interest in avenging losses to Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, though neither has a fight currently booked, and Gaethje himself isn't expected back until 2027 due to hand injuries.

That timeline could open the door for Arman Tsarukyan to earn a title shot if he beats Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on September 19 — a result that would also push a Topuria rematch further down the line.