TLDR
- Justin Gaethje won the UFC lightweight title by stopping Ilia Topuria in the fourth round at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14
- Gaethje refuses to give Topuria a rematch, saying the former champion ‘quit on the stool’ and doesn’t deserve another shot
- Topuria suffered an orbital fracture and temporary vision loss in both eyes during the fight
- Gaethje plans to continue fighting and targets a return in early 2027, ruling out any bouts in 2026
- Top contenders for Gaethje’s first title defense include Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, or the winner of McGregor vs. Holloway on July 11
Sources: mmafighting.com | talksport.com | au.sports.yahoo.com
Justin Gaethje says he will not give Ilia Topuria a rematch after winning the UFC lightweight championship at the White House on June 14. The new champion believes Topuria doesn’t deserve another shot at the title.
Gaethje defeated Topuria by fourth-round TKO in the main event of UFC Freedom 250. The fight took place on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC.
During a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Gaethje explained why he won’t face Topuria again. “He doesn’t get a rematch,” Gaethje said. “He quit on the stool, I stopped him twice, what else do I have to do?”
The fight saw dramatic swings in momentum throughout. Topuria nearly finished Gaethje in the second round with brutal body shots that dropped the challenger.
Topuria looked for a submission but couldn’t secure the finish before the round ended. When the horn sounded, Topuria appeared exhausted.
Justin Gaethje reveals he will be taking a break from fighting
Joe: "I asked you if you're going to fight again, you said you promised your mom you weren't gonna make a decision. I mean, you're the fucking champ, it would be great to go out like that, it would be an amazing cap… pic.twitter.com/g4hBi7VEb0
— Fibonacci 🥷 (@Fibonacci69) June 21, 2026
Gaethje Claims He Stopped Topuria Twice
Gaethje came back strong in the third round. After that round, a doctor examined Topuria, and while the fight initially appeared stopped, it continued for another round.
After the fourth round, Topuria’s corner waved off the fight. Topuria had told his corner he couldn’t see, and the bout was stopped between rounds.
“He wanted out,” Gaethje said. “You do not ever, as a fighter, say I cannot see. It’s over. And he was counting on that.”
Gaethje believes this shows Topuria gave up. “I stopped him twice that night. There’s no doubt about it,” he said.
Topuria left the fight with an orbital fracture and temporary vision loss in both eyes. He has already said he wants a rematch once he heals.
Gaethje suggested Topuria should face another contender first. “His next challenge can’t be me,” Gaethje said. “He needs to fight Paddy or someone like that.”
The victory was one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. Topuria came into the fight as the undefeated lightweight champion.
Champion Plans Early 2027 Return
Gaethje told Rogan he plans to continue fighting. “Right now I’m planning on it,” he said. “There’s not something natural in me that feels like it’s over.”
The 37-year-old champion had promised his mother he wouldn’t make a retirement decision on fight night. He wanted to take time before making that choice.
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Gaethje said he doesn’t have a specific opponent in mind for his next fight. He mentioned Arman Tsarukyan as the top contender but didn’t commit to that matchup.
Former champion Charles Oliveira has called out Gaethje. Oliveira beat Gaethje in 2022.
The winner of the upcoming Conor McGregor versus Max Holloway fight on July 11 could also be in line for a title shot. McGregor and Holloway are set to face each other in a rematch.
Gaethje has ruled out fighting again in 2026. He competed twice this year and took heavy damage in both fights.
The champion is currently serving a medical suspension related to his wrist and knee. He told the UFC he doesn’t want to return until at least March 2027.
Gaethje’s first title defense will likely happen in the first quarter of 2027. This means the lightweight belt will remain inactive for several months.
