Anik On Gaethje's Next Fight After Topuria Win

UFC commentator Jon Anik says the promotion is internally discussing an immediate rematch between lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria.

Gaethje captured the undisputed 155-pound title this summer when Topuria's corner stopped the fight at UFC White House, handing the Georgian-Spanish fighter his first career loss. According to Anik, speaking on the Anik Bros YouTube channel, as reported by MMA Fighting, the UFC is weighing whether to give Topuria a direct path back to the belt rather than matchmaking him elsewhere in the division.

Gaethje Timeline and Lightweight Contenders

Gaethje has already said he will not compete again until 2027, citing recovery needs after the grueling championship bout. That opens a window for other contenders, including Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, both of whom hold wins over Gaethje. Arman Tsarukyan faces Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in what Anik called an undeniable title eliminator.

"I don't know what Ilia Topuria's timeline is, but my non-informed speculation is that Gaethje vs. Topuria 2, a rematch, would be absolutely enormous, and I guess, predictively, that's what I think is going to happen," Anik said, per MMA Fighting.

Anik added that Gaethje's manager Ali Abdelaziz has indicated the champion intends to fight again rather than retire. If Tsarukyan finishes Ruffy impressively, Anik suggested, that bout could be made quickly, but Topuria remains the likely frontrunner given the scale of the first meeting. The UFC has not announced a timeline for Gaethje's return.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Jon Anik thinks UFC is considering Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria rematch: ‘That’s what I think is going to happen’