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Justin Gaethje Questions Ilia Topuria's Future at Lightweight

By MMAReign News Desk·Sep 23, 2026 • 8:02 PM

Justin Gaethje suggests Ilia Topuria is undersized for the lightweight division and identifies Arman Tsarukyan as the next challenger for his title.

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has weighed in on the potential for Ilia Topuria to succeed in the 155-pound division. Following his victory over Topuria at UFC White House—a result that handed the former featherweight champion the first loss of his professional career—Gaethje expressed skepticism regarding Topuria's physical frame for the lightweight weight class.

Gaethje’s comments come amid recent tension, as Topuria has reportedly accused Gaethje of glove tampering during their title clash. Despite the controversy surrounding the matchup and Topuria's post-fight remarks, Gaethje remains focused on the division's current landscape.

Regarding the immediate future of the title picture, Gaethje identified Arman Tsarukyan as the clear frontrunner for a championship opportunity. Tsarukyan has recently reinforced his standing in the division following a first-round knockout victory at UFC 331.

For fantasy players, Gaethje’s assessment provides insight into the potential shift in division hierarchies. With Tsarukyan positioned as the next logical contender, managers should monitor developments regarding his training trajectory and expected return to the octagon, as his momentum significantly influences lightweight rankings and future matchup projections.


Source: MMA Fighting.

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