Gaethje: Topuria's Next Foe 'Going to Be F*****'

Justin Gaethje says whoever fights Ilia Topuria next is walking into trouble, and he'd love to see that fight be Paddy Pimblett.

The UFC lightweight champion, who stopped Topuria in shocking fashion at UFC White House to win the title, spent much of his appearance on the Double Coverage podcast breaking down just how dangerous his former opponent remains. Gaethje was blunt about it: whoever gets Topuria next is walking into a buzzsaw if the former featherweight champion has his head right.

Why Gaethje Thinks Topuria Is Still a Nightmare Matchup

Gaethje isn't hedging on Topuria's talent despite handing him his first professional loss. He called the win a "perfect storm" built on Topuria being mentally off that night, not a sign that Topuria's skills have eroded. His actual words were pointed: "he is so skilled, and whoever fights him next is going to be f*cked." Gaethje's read is that Topuria's real danger is himself, saying a fighter who forgets the sport's inherent chaos "is gonna make mistakes and not be his best," but that absent those mental errors, Topuria ranks among the sport's elite with "no doubt about it."

That's a notable stance from the guy who just took Topuria's belt. Gaethje isn't selling a rebuilding project. He's telling the MMA world that the version of Topuria who beat Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski is still in there, and that whoever the UFC lines up next inherits a genuine threat, not a broken favorite.

Gaethje Wants to See Topuria vs. Pimblett

Gaethje made clear he isn't angling for an immediate rematch, saying he's out of action until 2027 while he recovers from hand injuries, but he pushed hard for a Topuria matchup with Paddy Pimblett. He admitted Pimblett confuses him as a stylistic puzzle, recalling that his own gameplan against Pimblett centered on avoiding the Liverpool fighter's grip around the neck. He also flagged a power upgrade he didn't see coming, noting he "never felt that" kind of strength from Pimblett personally before watching him manhandle opponents since. Gaethje's overall verdict was enthusiastic: "Paddy's a problem. These kids are hungry. … I hope they fight. I think it will be great."

Topuria has already been lobbying publicly for an immediate rematch with Gaethje, and UFC CEO Dana White has sounded open to it. Gaethje didn't shut that door but declined to campaign for any specific next opponent given his own timeline. If the promotion instead leans toward Topuria-Pimblett, Gaethje's comments amount to a vote of confidence in that fight as a legitimate main event rather than a consolation prize.

For bettors, the interesting wrinkle is what Gaethje's praise does to how the market should view a beaten Topuria. A single stoppage loss, especially one both fighters describe as tied to Topuria's mental state that night rather than a skills gap, shouldn't be read as a permanent discount. If Topuria lands opposite Pimblett, expect oddsmakers to still install Topuria as a live favorite given his finishing rate and precision striking, with Pimblett's grappling and durability as the swing factors Gaethje himself flagged. Anyone fading Topuria off one bad night, by his conqueror's own account, is fading a fighter who was mentally compromised more than technically beaten.

Gaethje also addressed retirement talk, saying he's heard the suggestions that he walk away on top but hasn't made a decision, adding he'll discuss it with his family by the end of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Justin Gaethje say about Ilia Topuria's next fight?

Justin Gaethje said whoever fights Ilia Topuria next is 'going to be f*****,' insisting Topuria remains one of the best fighters in the world despite losing his title to Gaethje at UFC White House.

Does Justin Gaethje want Ilia Topuria to fight Paddy Pimblett?

Yes, Justin Gaethje said he would love to see Ilia Topuria fight Paddy Pimblett next, calling Pimblett a stylistic 'problem' and predicting it would be a great fight.

When will Justin Gaethje fight again?

Justin Gaethje said he is out of action until 2027 while recovering from hand injuries sustained in his win over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House.