Justin Gaethje rules out Ilia Topuria rematch and reveals who deserves next UFC title shot as ultimatum issued

Justin Gaethje has ruled out a possible rematch with Ilia Topuria and has named an opponent who is more deserving of a championship fight.

In arguably the biggest upset in years, veteran Gaethje finally claimed the lightweight title on his third attempt with a stunning win over then-undefeated Topuria last month.

The pair headlined the White House card at UFC Freedom 250, and Gaethje put on a show to say the least, demolishing his opponent as Topuria's corner stopped the fight at the end of the fourth round.

He was immediately rushed to the hospital for surgery, and later revealed that Gaethje had 'taken the sight' from both of his eyes during the fight.

Topuria has since worn glasses in public appearances, but was seen without them for the first time on Wednesday, displaying significant swelling to his nose and the injuries inflicted by the 37-year-old.

A defeat for the first time in his UFC career would have been a bitter pill for the former lightweight champion to swallow, but he hasn't let it dampen his spirits by pushing for a rematch with Gaethje.

"No excuses. I had one of the best camps of my life," Topuria wrote on Instagram after the fight.

"I came in sharp, prepared, and ready. Last night was your night. That's the nature of the game. Glory and pain walk side by side.

"I'll heal. I'll rest. And I'll return stronger, wiser, and far more dangerous. And trust me... this story between us is far from over. We will have our rematch."

The 29-year-old is already seeking revenge on the UFC veteran, and his team are pushing for a potential showdown in December, something Gaethje has already shut down.

Justin Gaethje names potential next fight after shutting down Ilia Topuria rematch talk

“No, he’s not fighting me next,” the lightweight champion said when asked about Topuria by RMC Sport Combat.

Gaethje then suggested that Arman Tsarukyan is more deserving of a UFC title shot after extending his record to 23 wins from 26 fights with a second-round victory over Dan Hooker in November.

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“Why would he fight me next? Arman [Tsarukyan] deserves it way more than him, and a couple of fights are going to happen between now and then [December]," he continued.

“I didn’t knock him out. I didn’t get lucky. I beat him up. He’s going to have to get a win before he fights for a championship. He might go back to 145lbs. We don’t know what Ilia is doing.”

Gaethje has already admitted that it's unlikely he will fight again in 2026, earning a well-earned rest after beating Paddy Pimblett and Topuria this year.

In the meantime, it's been widely speculated that Charles Oliveira will defend his BMF title in a rematch with Tsarukyan at UFC 331 on September 19.

The two men previously met at UFC 300 in 2024, where Tsarukyan got his hand raised via split decision after two judges gave him the second and third rounds.

UFC 331 is set to take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, and whoever comes out on top in this showdown could eventually take on Gaethje.