Gaethje Says Topuria Is Too Small for UFC 155-Pound Title
Justin Gaethje argues Ilia Topuria lacks the size for lightweight success, pointing to rivals like Arman Tsarukyan.
Key points
- Justin Gaethje claims Ilia Topuria is undersized for the UFC lightweight division.
- Gaethje suggests Topuria would be more successful competing at featherweight.
- Ali Abdelaziz states a rematch will not happen, predicting Gaethje wins nine out of ten times.
Justin Gaethje stands in the quiet after the storm, holding the gold he took at UFC Freedom 250. The air is still thick with the dust of that fight, but the conversation has shifted. Gaethje looks at the scale and sees a problem. He believes Ilia Topuria is simply too small for the 155-pound division.
The American champion did not just win a fight. He dismantled a rival. At the event, Gaethje landed blows that forced Topuria’s corner to stop the contest after the fourth round. It was the first loss of the Spaniard’s career. Now, with the belt on his waist, Gaethje questions if Topuria belongs at this weight class at all.
Undersized for the lightweight division
On the 'Flagrant' YouTube channel, Gaethje made his stance clear. The canvas mat lies flat, waiting for the next challenger, but Gaethje sees a mismatch. He argues that Topuria’s frame is built for a different level. The Spanish fighter, known as 'El Matador,' may have the skill, but the body is wrong for the room.
"I don't think he's a lightweight," Gaethje stated. "I think he should go down." He pointed to the featherweight division as a better fit. There, he suggested, Topuria could face Alexander Volkanovski. That path might lead to a title. But at 155 pounds, the champion sees a dead end.
A deep field of rivals
The path to gold is crowded. Gaethje lists the names that block the way. Arman Tsarukyan stands in the shadow, a threat Topuria cannot ignore. Then there is Paddy Pimblett, another fighter who could cause serious trouble. The lightweight division is not a vacuum. It is a dense forest of contenders, each with a different weapon.
"Well, he can't beat Arman," Gaethje added. "He's going to have a difficult time with Paddy." He called the opponents "a bunch of dogs." In this sport, luck plays a role. But skill must overcome the odds. Gaethje believes Topuria has the skill, but the size is the final barrier.
Rematch talk hits a wall
Topuria demands a rematch. He accuses Gaethje of using loaded gloves at UFC Freedom 250. Many see this as a tactic to build heat. The Spaniard is ready to return. He wants to prove the first fight was an anomaly. The pressure is building, pushing for a second chance on the mat.
But Gaethje’s camp is unmoved. Manager Ali Abdelaziz dismissed the idea entirely. He said Gaethje would beat Topuria nine out of ten times. "You will never—this fight will never happen," Abdelaziz declared. The door is closed. The champion has his number, and the rematch is not on the table.
