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Justin Gaethje gives update on Ilia Topuria fight after threatening UFC retirement

Originally posted on HITC | By Jamie Theodosi | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 4:34 PM ET

Justin Gaethje hasn’t changed his position on a potential lightweight title fight with Ilia Topuria.

Topuria became the new lightweight champion at UFC 317 on June 29, taking down Charles Oliveira in the first round to add a second belt to his collection.

After the fight, things took an unexpected turn when Paddy Pimblett entered the cage for an unplanned face-off with Topuria.

Speaking after the event, UFC President Dana White voiced his frustration, saying Pimblett shouldn’t have been brought into the cage and that it wasn’t the matchup they had in mind.

But some might argue that the British fighter has emerged as a front-runner for a title shot ahead of names like Justin Gaethje.

Justin Gaethje shares his thoughts on potential title fight with Ilia Topuria

Before the UFC 317 main event, former interim lightweight champion Gaethje shared his stance on the situation, venting his frustration after not being picked.

He went as far as to say that if he doesn’t get a title shot in his next bout, he’ll walk away from the sport for good.

Topuria brushed off the idea of facing Gaethje next, saying he wasn’t interested in that matchup. That didn’t help Gaethje’s chances either.

Dana White even suggested that if retirement is already on Gaethje’s mind, it might be time for him to step away.

Still, ahead of UFC 318, Gaethje spoke to fans and media at the ceremonial weigh-ins and answered a few questions about what comes next.

When asked about what lies ahead, Gaethje said: “It’s me or Arman (Tsarukyan), I believe someone has to fight (Topuria) this year and I think I’m in a better spot than Arman so someone’s gotta fight him. I hope it’s at Madison Square Garden, New York City, I get to fight him and then I get to defend it on the White House lawn.”

The mention of fighting at the White House ties into Donald Trump’s recent announcement that he plans to host a UFC event there. Since then, plenty of fighters have shown interest in being part of that card.

Max Holloway says Justin Gaethje hits harder than anyone else he’s fought

This Saturday, two of Gaethje’s former opponents met in the main event of UFC 318, as Max Holloway defeated Dustin Poirier in what was Poirier’s retirement bout.

Before their fight, Holloway spoke about Gaethje, calling him the hardest hitter he’s ever faced, even though Topuria was the first to knock him out.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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