Justin Gaethje, a top contender in the UFC Lightweight division, has specific ideas regarding a potential showdown with champion Ilia Topuria, including a preferred time and location.
The former Interim and BMF titleholder has a history of going 0-2 in undisputed championship bouts. Gaethje is hopeful that a third opportunity will prove successful, this time against the newly crowned champion, Ilia Topuria.
Topuria recently claimed the lightweight belt with a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. Gaethje was present at cageside for the event but was not the recipient of Topuria`s post-fight call-out or face-off, which instead went to Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan.
Believing he is `owed` a title shot after securing three victories in his last four appearances, Gaethje had previously suggested he might retire if a championship opportunity wasn`t granted. However, a fight now seems more probable, particularly after Topuria`s manager indicated that Gaethje is the `closest` contender to challenging `El Matador`.
Widely recognized for his powerful leg kicks, which could present a challenging matchup for Topuria, Gaethje recently offered his initial assessment of the new champion.
Justin Gaethje Expresses Desire to Knock Out Ilia Topuria at Madison Square Garden
Often just one highlight-reel finish away from significant performance bonuses, the hard-hitting Gaethje is arguably one of the most thrilling fighters in the UFC.
Despite this, Topuria has not publicly labeled the former BMF champion as a `legend` and seemed less than enthusiastic about immediately fighting him after the Oliveira bout.
So, what are the thoughts of the highly credentialed Gaethje regarding the lightweight division`s newest knockout artist?
“Topuria is the big name right now,” Gaethje commented to Austin Keen during a surfing session, days before UFC 317.
“Cocky,” was Gaethje`s straightforward assessment of Topuria, who accurately predicted his first-round knockout victory over Oliveira.
“I would love to knock him out…”
Gaethje shared that he had hoped the UFC 317 main event would conclude with a knockout, expressing his desire to face the winner in November at Madison Square Garden. MSG is a frequent fall venue for the UFC and was the site of Gaethje`s acclaimed `2021 Fight of the Year` against Michael Chandler at UFC 268.
Gaethje`s recent form includes a dominant performance leading to a near-finish against tough contender Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 in March. This fight came after his original opponent, Dan Hooker, withdrew.
Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje: Continuing the Fan-Favorite Narrative?
While Topuria did not specifically call out Gaethje following his second title win, `The Highlight` fits the pattern of Topuria`s last three opponents.
Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Alexander Volkanovski are all highly popular figures among UFC fans, and each has been defeated by the powerful striking of Topuria.
Gaethje himself is recognized as one of the UFC`s most formidable knockout artists, boasting significant victories over prominent names such as Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler, Rafael Fiziev (twice), Michael Johnson, Edson Barboza, and Donald Cerrone, among many others.
Should Topuria face and secure a knockout win over Gaethje in his next title defense, it would undoubtedly spark discussions about whether the lightweight champion has compiled the most impressive four-fight winning streak in UFC history.
