UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has come to the defense of his recent opponent Ilia Topuria, insisting that Topuria did not quit during their UFC Freedom 250 bout. In a surprising upset in June, Gaethje secured a fourth-round TKO victory after Topuria’s corner threw in the towel, halting the fight due to the damage their fighter had sustained.
Despite some fans and fighters believing Topuria gave up between rounds, Gaethje clarified on the “One Night with Steiny” podcast that the decision to stop the fight was entirely made by Topuria’s coaches. He emphasized that Topuria’s body was too battered to continue and that it was the corner’s responsibility to protect their fighter, just as Gaethje’s own coaches do for him.
Looking ahead, a rematch between Gaethje and Topuria could be on the horizon. However, Arman Tsarukyan arguably has a stronger claim for a title shot after stringing together six consecutive wins, compared to Topuria’s recent loss. Nevertheless, the UFC tends to prioritize high-profile matchups, so if a rematch is seen as the most marketable fight in the lightweight division, it will likely be scheduled—while Tsarukyan might have to wait longer for his opportunity.
Before any future matchups are confirmed, it remains uncertain whether Gaethje will compete again at all. He is still undecided about retiring or continuing for at least one more fight, especially after sustaining significant damage despite winning against Topuria. The UFC is allowing Gaethje time to determine his next move.
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Fan Take: This situation is crucial for fight fans because it highlights the respect between warriors and the critical role of corners in safeguarding fighters’ health. Whether Gaethje returns or not—and if Topuria gets a rematch—these developments could shape the lightweight division’s future and influence how fighters balance health with competitiveness in the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
