Justin Gaethje’s first title defense won’t be a rematch, according to his manager.
Gaethje pulled off one of the biggest upsets in combat sports history in June, stopping Ilia Topuria to claim the undisputed lightweight title in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House. With the champion weighing his options, manager Ali Abdelaziz offered a clear hint about who is next, ruling out rematches with Topuria, Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, and Paddy Pimblett.
The champ’s next fight will be against someone he’s never fought before. I’m really excited for this matchup,” Abdelaziz wrote on X.
Gaethje has said it’s highly unlikely he competes again this year, leaving fans to guess who the 37-year-old will face. Oliveira immediately campaigned for a rematch after the title change, saying he would sit out and wait for it.
With rematches off the table, the path points to Arman Tsarukyan, the division’s top contender and the only fighter in the lightweight top five that Gaethje hasn’t shared the Octagon with. Tsarukyan hasn’t fought since November but has stayed active competing in Real American Freestyle Wrestling. If he is indeed next, he will likely have to wait until the turn of the year for his shot at undisputed gold.
