TLDR
- UFC is discussing an immediate rematch between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria for the lightweight title
- Topuria lost his undefeated record and title to Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026
- Jon Anik believes UFC wants Topuria in a championship setting due to financial success of first fight
- Gaethje may not have final say in opponent selection but would likely accept for right money
- Other potential opponents include Arman Tsarukyan, Paddy Pimblett, and Conor McGregor
Sources: yardbarker.com | youtube.com | youtube.com
The UFC is having internal discussions about booking an immediate rematch between lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria, according to veteran commentator Jon Anik. The talks would put Topuria back in a title fight despite suffering the first loss of his professional career just months ago.
Topuria lost his undefeated record when Gaethje stopped him at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026. The Spanish-Georgian fighter quit on his stool between rounds, handing Gaethje the lightweight championship.
UFC Wants to Capitalize on Historic Event
Anik discussed the potential rematch on his YouTube channel, explaining why the UFC might skip over other contenders. “I think there are internal conversations to potentially try to do Gaethje vs. Topuria 2,” Anik said.
The commentator pointed to the massive success of UFC Freedom 250 as a key factor. “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?” Anik asked.
🚨 The UFC is having "internal conversations" to give Ilia Topuria an immediate rematch against Justin Gaethje, per @Jon_Anik
"A rematch would be absolutely enormous. Predictively, that's what I think is going to happen." 👀 pic.twitter.com/OU2iljm5yO
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 6, 2026
The White House card became one of the biggest events in UFC history. Anik later wrote on social media that the UFC should “at least kick the tires on running back the main event of the biggest show in company history.”
Many fans expected Topuria to face Paddy Pimblett next. Gaethje defeated Pimblett by unanimous decision at UFC 324 in January 2026, just months before stopping Topuria. The two fighters have a long-standing rivalry that would make for an easy sell.
Gaethje’s Role in Decision Making
Anik believes the rematch decision may not rest with the champion. “I don’t think it’s going to be up to Justin,” Anik said. “I say that with all due respect.”
The commentator suggested financial incentives would be the key factor. “I think Justin is far more concerned with his show money than with who he’s actually fighting,” Anik explained.
Gaethje has not publicly expressed interest in immediate rematches with fighters he has already beaten. However, Anik believes the right paycheck could change that stance.
Anik was careful to note he has no inside information on Topuria’s timeline for returning. “My non-informed speculation is that Gaethje vs. Topuria 2, a rematch, would be absolutely enormous,” he said.
The lightweight division has several other potential title challengers waiting. Arman Tsarukyan fights Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on September 19, in what Anik considers a clear title eliminator.
Pimblett could also face Charles Oliveira in a high-profile matchup. That fight would carry major commercial appeal given Pimblett’s large fanbase.
Conor McGregor remains another option for Gaethje. A fight with the Irish superstar would likely generate the biggest payday of any potential matchup.
Gaethje won the lightweight title with back-to-back victories over Pimblett and Topuria within six months. He defeated Pimblett 48-47, 49-46, 49-46 on the scorecards before stopping Topuria between rounds at the White House event.
Anik emphasized that no decision has been made regarding Gaethje’s next title defense. The UFC has multiple commercially viable options available depending on how matchmakers want to proceed with the lightweight division.
