All articles tagged with #justin gaethje
Conor McGregor dismissed Justin Gaethje's claim that he wants to punch him in the face with a sharp quip at UFC 329 media day, noting Gaethje's belt status while the two rivals heat up the build to the event; the banter comes as Holloway is part of McGregor's orbit and both men brace for their next appearances.
Paddy Pimblett says his UFC 329 fight is set with Benoit Saint Denis and a Topuria showdown isn’t expected before 2026, citing Topuria’s injuries from the Gaethje title fight and his likely absence this year; Pimblett aims to fight again by year’s end but notes beating BSD won’t automatically earn a Gaethje rematch, and he points out that Topuria is a featherweight who would likely move down if they ever met.
Jones says the UFC White House event elevated MMA’s prestige even though he wasn’t on the card, and he’s grateful for the moment as he reflected on staying grounded with a strong team, the sport’s rising status, and his own place in its history; the night featured Gaethje’s KO to unify the interim and undisputed lightweight titles and Topuria’s setback with an uncertain return timeline.
No. 12 UFC Lightweight Rafael Fiziev rebounded with a second‑round KO of Manuel Torres in UFC Baku, saying Justin Gaethje’s historic win inspired him to believe in himself again and his power.
Charles Oliveira says he’s next in line for a rematch with Justin Gaethje to unify the BMF belt with the UFC lightweight title, claiming he’s waiting for a phone call after Gaethje’s latest title win; Oliveira notes the history between them (including Oliveira’s 2022 submission win) and suggests the bout could crown a true double-champion, though the title picture could shift depending on other contenders.
Charles Oliveira says he should be next to challenge Justin Gaethje for the undisputed lightweight title and wants to unify Gaethje’s belt with his BMF title, addressing the 2022 weigh‑in controversy. He’s awaiting UFC contact to schedule the bout, willing to fight anywhere (even Brazil) and even wait for a 2027 unification if that’s how it plays out.
Top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan blasted Justin Gaethje after Gaethje declined a new truck Tsarukyan vowed to buy as a thank-you for Gaethje’s upset-bet win over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House. Gaethje said there was no handshake and he didn’t owe the truck, prompting Tsarukyan to vent that Gaethje is an “asshole” and to vow he’ll “f—k him up” in the fight, hinting at beef ahead of a potential title bout.
Gaethje rejects Arman Tsarukyan's friend’s offer of buying him a truck after his upset win, saying he won’t take the gift. Tsarukyan responds angrily on streams, vowing to make Gaethje pay and signaling a potential future fight, with the possibility of a title shot on the horizon.
At UFC’s White House card, seven knockouts triggered a wave of medical suspensions. In the main event, Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria each received 180‑day suspensions (Topuria must be cleared by an oral/maxillofacial surgeon; Gaethje may need clearance for a right wrist injury and a left knee MRI). In the co‑main, Alex Pereira also drew a 180‑day suspension (needs maxillofacial CT clearance) plus a 45‑day mandatory period. The night produced a mix of 8‑day rests (Ciryl Gane, Sean O’Malley, and others), 30–60 day suspensions, and KO‑related holds for several fighters, with the complete regulator’s list detailing each fighter’s clearance requirements and durations.
Justin Gaethje says there’s a very small chance he fights again this year after two grueling bouts, including his undisputed lightweight title win over Ilia Topuria. With potential rematches against Topuria or a fight with Charles Oliveira in play, his comeback is uncertain, and he’s under a 180-day medical suspension pending MRI clearance for a right wrist and left knee, making another 2026 appearance unlikely.
Ilia Topuria was discharged from hospital after suffering non-displaced fractures of both orbital bones in his loss to Justin Gaethje. Doctors say he won’t need surgery, but he faces a lengthy recovery and is unlikely to fight again in 2026, with his right eye more affected and vision issues noted during the post-fight events.
Ilia Topuria, ranked No. 2, bowed to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in a gritty unifier, sustaining eye damage and leaving Gaethje as the new lightweight champion. Topuria credited Gaethje with his night, pledged to return stronger, and signaled there’s more to come between them. In the wake of the defeat, Islam Makhachev and Paddy Pimblett roasted Topuria online, underscoring lingering rivalries as contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira loom in the title picture.
Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria at UFC White House to become the undisputed lightweight champion, using a footwork-driven game plan from coach Trevor Wittman to keep Topuria at bay. After Topuria hurt Gaethje with a second‑round body shot and pressed to the ground, Wittman called that a mistake; Gaethje endured, then dominated the later rounds, breaking Topuria’s orbital bones and prompting Topuria’s corner to stop the bout before the fifth round.
Ilia Topuria left the hospital with non-displaced fractures to both orbital bones after a brutal round-4 stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC White House; no surgery is needed, but there’s no firm return date, ending his 17-0 streak and paving the way for a rematch.
Ilia Topuria suffered his first career defeat, relinquishing the lightweight title to Justin Gaethje in a fourth-round TKO at UFC White House; he praised Gaethje, revealed eye injuries from the bout, and said there are no excuses while signaling a rematch and vowing to return stronger.