Ilia Topuria on Gaethje: 'I don't think that he's gonna retire without one more paycheck'

Topuria told Adam Catterall that the most money Justin Gaethje has made was against him, and just under 60% of voters picked the rematch hours after his Instagram poll went up.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Fri 6 Nov, 18:15 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Ilia Topuria in a white shirt during his interview with Adam Catterall — Image: still from Topuria interview with Adam Catterall

Ilia Topuria says the biggest payday of Justin Gaethje's career came against him, and he does not think the lightweight champion will retire without taking another one in a rematch.

Asked by Adam Catterall whether he wanted "the one back with Justin", Topuria said: "I would love it. Why not? I want to have my rematch, and it's gonna happen at some point."

He said Gaethje, who has talked about retirement, would always remember their White House fight as the biggest moment of his life. "The most amount of money that he made in his life also was against me," Topuria said. "And I don't think that he's gonna retire without one more paycheck because he's not, he's not gonna have that paycheck with any other guy..."

Gaethje beat Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in June to win the undisputed lightweight title, the first loss of Topuria's career. Gaethje suggested straight after the fight that it could be his last appearance in the Octagon, and he has yet to reveal his plans. Dana White has said a fight with Alexander Volkanovski now rests with Gaethje, telling The Jim Rome Show: "He's going to have to pull the trigger one way or another."

Topuria has also put his next opponent to a vote on Instagram, a Gaethje rematch or a Paddy Pimblett fight, and just under 60% picked Gaethje hours after the poll went up, although Gaethje has already dismissed a second fight. Topuria has said a comeback is being considered from April, and White has said the UFC is planning his return for early 2027. No opponent or date has been announced.

In this story

Ilia Topuria Justin Gaethje Alexander Volkanovski Paddy Pimblett