Gaethje's Manager Says Topuria Rematch Will Never Happen
Ali Abdelaziz insists Justin Gaethje will not give Ilia Topuria a rematch after taking his title at UFC Freedom 250.
The entire MMA world wants to see Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria run it back. The UFC wants it. Topuria wants it. But Gaethje's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, is not interested.
Abdelaziz told Submission Radio that the lightweight champion will not be giving Topuria an immediate rematch. He did not leave any room for interpretation, per MMA Mania.
"He's not fighting Justin Gaethje next," Abdelaziz said. He added that the fight "will never happen" and predicted Gaethje would beat Topuria "nine out of 10" times.
Gaethje pulled off one of the biggest upsets of 2026 when he stopped Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn in June. The fight was a brutal war that ended with Topuria's corner throwing in the towel. It was the first loss of Topuria's career.
Topuria has since been medically cleared to return and has publicly campaigned for the rematch. He posted on X that he wanted the fight and took a shot at Gaethje's team, saying he would make sure officials check Gaethje's gloves next time.
With the rematch apparently off the table from Gaethje's side, the lightweight division may have to sort itself out. Arman Tsarukyan, riding a six-fight win streak, is widely considered the next logical challenger for Gaethje's belt.
I get why Ali is doing this. When your guy just pulled off the upset of the year, you don't hand the other side a chance to even the score. You make them earn it. But let's be real: this fight is going to happen eventually. The demand is too high, the money is too big, and the UFC is not going to let Ali Abdelaziz decide who fights for a world title.
Topuria is a problem for everyone at 155. The glove accusations are a bad look, but that doesn't change the fact that he's one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet. Gaethje caught him in the perfect storm at Freedom 250. Can he do it again? Maybe. Nine out of ten is a reach, though. That was a war, not a walkover.
If I'm the UFC, I'm booking Tsarukyan vs. Topuria as an eliminator and letting the winner have Gaethje. That way everyone stays active and the rematch builds itself. Sitting on the belt and ducking the best challenger is never a good look, even when your manager is the one doing the talking.
