In the early hours of June 15th, Ilia Topuria’s face was a testament to his first professional defeat. Swollen and battered, the championship belt he’d carried from featherweight to lightweight was gone, taken by a 37-year-old American veteran many had considered an underdog. The image of the towel being thrown in marked a significant shift, with fighters across the lightweight division recalibrating their strategies.
Gaethje’s Upset Victory
The odds were heavily stacked against Justin Gaethje. Online betting sites favored Topuria significantly, a sentiment echoed by the champion’s dominant first round. However, a severe injury to Topuria’s eye at the end of the first round changed the fight’s trajectory. Gaethje capitalized, winning the subsequent rounds and ultimately securing a TKO victory when Topuria’s corner stopped the fight before the fifth round. This loss stripped Topuria of his invincible persona, the one he’d cultivated since his impressive win over Alexander Volkanovski. The former champion now faces a period of rebuilding and redefinition. Several compelling options await him.
Potential Next Fights for Ilia Topuria
1. Justin Gaethje Rematch
Justin Gaethje’s victory was a remarkable comeback, defying expectations at 37 years old. His journey to this win included overcoming previous heartbreaks and dominating formidable opponents. The animosity between Gaethje and Topuria was palpable, fueled by personal remarks during the promotion. Topuria’s post-fight message, “This story between us is far from over,” suggests a rematch is highly probable and is the most logical next step for the UFC matchmakers.
2. Paddy Pimblett
The rivalry between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett dates back to a heated confrontation in a hotel corridor following a comment by Pimblett about Georgia. Despite years of animosity and personal clashes, they have yet to meet in the Octagon. Pimblett, after his own recent victories, has publicly called out Topuria, aiming to capitalize on his lowest point. If Pimblett secures a win in his upcoming bout and Gaethje isn’t immediately available for a title defense, a fight between Topuria and Pimblett would present a significant commercial opportunity.
3. Arman Tsarukyan
Arman Tsarukyan, ranked second in the lightweight division, has been seeking a fight with Topuria for two years. Tsarukyan’s substantial bet on Gaethje and his subsequent social media post highlighted his eagerness to see Topuria lose. Having missed out on title opportunities due to injury, Tsarukyan sees Topuria’s defeat as a chance to finally secure his long-desired matchup. The potential for a “Caucasus blood feud” between Topuria and Tsarukyan adds another layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated contest.