‘I stopped him twice that night’: Justin Gaethje doubles down on Ilia Topuria not deserving rematch after UFC White House
Justin Gaethje says Ilia Topuria doesn’t merit a rematch and hints he may not fight again this year
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The brief
Justin Gaethje reiterated that Ilia Topuria is not deserving of a rematch, referencing his performance with the line “I stopped him twice that night.” He also suggested he is unlikely to compete again in 2026. Coverage of the comments appears in two outlets.
Sherdog reported Gaethje’s outlook on his own fight schedule, while MMA Fighting detailed his remarks about Topuria following the UFC White House event. Future monitoring should focus on any official fight bookings or statements from the UFC that could confirm whether Gaethje will return to competition or if a rematch with Topuria is ever scheduled.
Synthesized by PULSE from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 3h ago.
Quick answers
What did Gaethje say about a potential rematch with Ilia Topuria?
He said Topuria is not deserving of a rematch, emphasizing “I stopped him twice that night.”
What did Gaethje indicate about his own fighting plans for 2026?
He indicated he is unlikely to fight again in 2026.
Which media outlets reported Gaethje’s comments?
Sherdog and MMA Fighting covered the statements.
Coverage (4)
- Justin Gaethje reveals plan to return and discusses potential next opponent Yahoo Sports · 7h ago
- Justin Gaethje opts against UFC retirement, rejects Ilia Topuria rematch Yahoo Sports · 7h ago
- Justin Gaethje unlikely to fight again in 2026 Sherdog · 7h ago
- ‘I stopped him twice that night’: Justin Gaethje doubles down on Ilia Topuria not deserving rematch after UFC White House MMA Fighting · 7h ago
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