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Justin Gaethje stunned Ilia Topuria and many fans when he won the main event of UFC Freedom 250 held on the White House South Lawn, using four rounds to conquer his undefeated opponent.
It was a one-of-a-kind event and immediately led to buzz about a potential rematch, once Topuria recovered from the beating he took at the hands of Gaethje. Topuria needed assistance from team members to leave the cage, and later was seen on a cart.
He revealed in a social message that his opponent got the best of him, but he planned to return and suggested that the White House card’s main event wasn’t their last fight.
However, amid rumors of retirement, Gaethje recently responded to the potential for a rematch against Topuria, while talking to UFC commentator Joe Rogan on his podcast.
More news:Trinity Rodman Draws Attention With Mariners First Pitch After USMNT Win
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 14: Justin Gaethje of the United States reacts prior to the UFC Lightweight Championship bout against Ilia Topuria of Georgia during UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
“Right now I’m planning on [fighting again]. There’s not something natural in me that feels like it’s over,” he said.
Gaethje said he didn’t have a name in mind for his next fight, and Rogan asked about Topuria trying to get a rematch.
“No, he doesn’t get a rematch. He can try, but he doesn’t get one. He quit on the stool. He quit twice. I stopped him twice. What else do I have to [expletive] do? His next challenge can’t be me. He needs to fight Paddy [Pimblett] or someone like that,” Gaethje said.
Topuria came into the UFC Freedom 250 main event with a perfect record and as a heavy favorite, with most expecting he would take care of business against his older opponent. However, Gaethje managed to attack throughout the fight, bloodying Topuria’s face, which ultimately caused him to lose vision in one eye.
Read more:Ilia Topuria Breaks Silence on UFC Freedom 250 Loss to Justin Gaethje
He admitted in his post-match social media message that he eventually lost vision in his other eye, and after that, one of his team members called for the fight to end ahead of the fifth round.
Ahead of his loss, Topuria defeated Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira as part of an impressive undefeated record in the UFC. However, Gaethje is suggesting he’s not yet worthy of a rematch after Topuria continued to battle through four rounds.
The powers that be heading up UFC put together the fight cards, including CEO Dana White and CBO Hunter Campbell. Therefore, it won’t be up to Topuria or Gaethje. That said, they may decide to give another individual, whom they feel is ready to challenge Gaethje, the fight before they give Topuria his rematch.
Before any of that, they have a huge event set for July 11 in Las Vegas, with the return of Conor McGregor to battle Max Holloway in the main event at UFC 329. All eyes will be on the winner of this fight, as it could actually present Gaethje’s next opponent.
More news:Caitlin Clark Puts the WNBA on Notice With Honest Self-Assessment
For more about the UFC, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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It was a one-of-a-kind event and immediately led to buzz about a potential rematch, once Topuria recovered from the beating he took at the hands of Gaethje. Topuria needed assistance from team members to leave the cage, and later was seen on a cart.
He revealed in a social message that his opponent got the best of him, but he planned to return and suggested that the White House card’s main event wasn’t their last fight.
However, amid rumors of retirement, Gaethje recently responded to the potential for a rematch against Topuria, while talking to UFC commentator Joe Rogan on his podcast.
More news:Trinity Rodman Draws Attention With Mariners First Pitch After USMNT Win
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WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 14: Justin Gaethje of the United States reacts prior to the UFC Lightweight Championship bout against Ilia Topuria of Georgia during UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
“Right now I’m planning on [fighting again]. There’s not something natural in me that feels like it’s over,” he said.
Gaethje said he didn’t have a name in mind for his next fight, and Rogan asked about Topuria trying to get a rematch.
“No, he doesn’t get a rematch. He can try, but he doesn’t get one. He quit on the stool. He quit twice. I stopped him twice. What else do I have to [expletive] do? His next challenge can’t be me. He needs to fight Paddy [Pimblett] or someone like that,” Gaethje said.
Topuria came into the UFC Freedom 250 main event with a perfect record and as a heavy favorite, with most expecting he would take care of business against his older opponent. However, Gaethje managed to attack throughout the fight, bloodying Topuria’s face, which ultimately caused him to lose vision in one eye.
Read more:Ilia Topuria Breaks Silence on UFC Freedom 250 Loss to Justin Gaethje
He admitted in his post-match social media message that he eventually lost vision in his other eye, and after that, one of his team members called for the fight to end ahead of the fifth round.
Ahead of his loss, Topuria defeated Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira as part of an impressive undefeated record in the UFC. However, Gaethje is suggesting he’s not yet worthy of a rematch after Topuria continued to battle through four rounds.
The powers that be heading up UFC put together the fight cards, including CEO Dana White and CBO Hunter Campbell. Therefore, it won’t be up to Topuria or Gaethje. That said, they may decide to give another individual, whom they feel is ready to challenge Gaethje, the fight before they give Topuria his rematch.
Before any of that, they have a huge event set for July 11 in Las Vegas, with the return of Conor McGregor to battle Max Holloway in the main event at UFC 329. All eyes will be on the winner of this fight, as it could actually present Gaethje’s next opponent.
More news:Caitlin Clark Puts the WNBA on Notice With Honest Self-Assessment
For more about the UFC, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Related Articles
- Michael Bisping Under Fire for Heated Comments About Alex Pereira
- Justin Gaethje, Ilia Topuria Hit With Long-Term Medical Suspensions
- Alex Pereira Calls For Ref Herb Dean to be Punished After UFC Freedom 250
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