Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria Rematch Unlikely, Says Manager
Ali Abdelaziz has shut the door, at least for now, on one of the UFC’s most talked‑about rematches.
The manager of UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje insists Ilia Topuria will not be next, despite growing speculation that the promotion could immediately run back their June clash at UFC Freedom 250 — a night when Gaethje stunned many by upsetting the then-favored Topuria.
Speaking on Submission Radio, Abdelaziz cut through the rumors with blunt certainty.
“He’s not fighting Justin Gaethje next… I believe Justin Gaethje will beat him nine out of 10 time. You know why? Justin have his number… this fight will never happen. I can tell you this,” Abdelaziz said.
No teasing. No “we’ll see.” Just a hard stop on Gaethje vs. Topuria 2.
Tsarukyan’s moment?
If Abdelaziz is right and Topuria is out of the immediate picture, a different name surges to the front of the line: Arman Tsarukyan.
The Armenian-Russian contender has been circling a title shot for what feels like an eternity. Now, the path might finally be clearing. Tsarukyan is coming off a brutal first-round KO of Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331, the kind of emphatic finish that forces matchmakers to take notice. It was his sixth straight victory, a streak that already had many calling for his crack at the lightweight belt.
On merit, there’s little debate. Tsarukyan has stacked wins, sharpened his game, and delivered exactly the kind of violent statement against Ruffy that title contenders are supposed to deliver. Given his recent run and the manner of that last win, overlooking him now would stretch credibility.
The UFC, of course, doesn’t always follow a straight sporting logic. Star power, timing, and business often crowd into the conversation. That’s the tension here. Abdelaziz can make it clear he doesn’t want Gaethje vs. Topuria 2 right now, and he has. But he doesn’t hold the final pen.
The decision sits where it always does — in the UFC’s hands. If the promotion decides the rematch is the bigger play, Gaethje and Topuria will be staring each other down again, no matter what the champion’s manager prefers.
If not, the door swings wide for Arman Tsarukyan. And after six straight wins and a highlight-reel knockout on a big stage, how much longer can they really keep him waiting?
