Gaethje On Topuria: Too Small For Lightweight

Justin Gaethje says Ilia Topuria needs to drop back down to featherweight.

The UFC lightweight champion, who stopped Topuria at UFC White House in June to claim the title, told the FLAGRANT podcast that size played a decisive role in the fight. Topuria recently accused Gaethje of loading his gloves before their bout, but Gaethje waved off the claim and offered a simpler explanation for the upset. "He honestly has to believe that I cheated, because if not, how could you do it again? I broke his face," Gaethje said, per MMA Fighting. "I don't think he's a lightweight. I think he should go down."

Gaethje Names Tsarukyan Next For Title Shot

Topuria captured the vacant lightweight belt by knocking out Charles Oliveira after a successful featherweight title run, but Gaethje believes the former champion is outmatched at 155 pounds. He pointed to top contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett as tough stylistic problems for Topuria going forward, though he acknowledged that anyone can land a lucky shot in MMA.

Gaethje said he plans to take the rest of the year off to recover from back-to-back training camps. At 37 years old with 40 professional and amateur fights behind him, he is weighing retirement against one more defense. If he does fight again, he made clear that Tsarukyan is the rightful challenger. "He's the next in line," Gaethje said. "If and when I defend this championship, that will be who I fight."

The champion added that beating Topuria, who had finished both Oliveira and Max Holloway, gave him closure on those two losses. He no longer feels the need to avenge either defeat. Gaethje said he will make a decision on his fighting future after resting his brain and assessing his health. His next move is expected later this year.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Justin Gaethje thinks Ilia Topuria is too small for lightweight, says Arman Tsarukyan is ‘next in line’