Justin Gaethje has expressed skepticism about Ilia Topuria’s chances of reclaiming the top spot in the lightweight division. Having faced Topuria for a full 20 minutes in the octagon, Gaethje has formed some strong opinions about him. While Gaethje frequently acknowledges the skill of his past opponents and has applauded Topuria’s talent, he believes that skill alone isn’t enough to be a true champion.
Gaethje suggests that Topuria once operated under the belief that he was unbeatable, creating a sort of illusion that fueled his performances. He speculates that Topuria might even think Gaethje cheated to keep pace with this “unbeatable gimmick,” but Gaethje firmly rejects this notion.
“I think he was living in a fantasy world before, and that’s how he performed; it worked for him,” Gaethje said. “He believed he was invincible and unbeatable. But that’s impossible—no one is. He was even updating his bio as if he’d already won fights before they happened. At this point, I think he needs to believe I cheated.”
Losing this aura of invincibility could seriously impact Topuria’s future in the lightweight ranks. Gaethje believes Topuria will have difficulty rising back to the top at 155 pounds and recommends dropping down a division instead.
“He’s not a natural lightweight; I think he should move down,” Gaethje stated. “I believe he can beat Volkanovski and become a featherweight champion. But I don’t see him winning the lightweight title.”
Gaethje elaborated on the challenges Topuria faces. “He can’t get past Arman, and Paddy is going to give him a tough fight. There are many tough contenders out there. It’s a crazy sport where luck plays a part. Can he get lucky, and is he skilled enough? Sure. But I think he’s too small for lightweight.”
Fan Take: Gaethje’s insights shed light on the intense physical and mental demands at the top of the lightweight division, emphasizing that talent alone isn’t always enough. This perspective adds intrigue to the featherweight division, potentially reshaping future title hunts and fighter trajectories in the UFC.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
