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Despite 2025 nearing it’s end, one of the sport’s most important questions remains unanswered. Who will Ilia Topuria face in his first lightweight title defense? ‘El Matador’ established his reign in June, defeating Charles Oliveira in under three minutes at UFC 317 to become a two-division world champion. It was the culmination of a meteoric rise that had already seen the Spanish-Georgian knock out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, wins that turned him from a prospect to a superstar. Yet, months later, his future remains a mystery for fight fans. Despite all the rumors surrounding the Spaniard, no fight has been announced, and Topuria’s comments about making a move to welterweight to face Islam Makhachev have only fueled the fire. With the lightweight division on a saddening pause and contenders circling for an opportunity at gold, the UFC is running out of time. If there is any justice or logic left in matchmaking, that opponent should be none other than Justin Gaethje. Justin Gaethje is THE man to revive Ilia Topuria and the lightweight division Right now, the lightweight division resembles a ship without a captain. Islam Makhachev’s move to welterweight left the throne vacant earlier this year, and while ‘El Matador’ stepped up to claim it in spectacular fashion, the fallout has been anything but orderly. Number 2-ranked Arman Tsarukyan, the division’s top contender, is scheduled to face Dan Hooker on November 22 in Doha; hence, he is now unavailable. On the other hand, former champion and number 3 in the division, Charles Oliveira, has challenged Max Holloway to a long-awaited rematch, ten years in the making, effectively eliminating himself from immediate title contention. With the two biggest names in the top five occupied, there is a clear vacancy at the top. And right in the center of it all is Justin Gaethje, the sport’s most violent artist and one of its most loyal soldiers. ‘The Highlight’ was passed over for the UFC 317 title fight despite being 3-1 in his last four bouts, with his only loss coming to Max Holloway at UFC 300, a contest he entered on short notice to save a pay-per-view card in desperate need of star power. Meanwhile, ‘Do Bronx,’ who is 2-2 in his last four fights, got the call instead. For a fighter who has consistently gone to war for the company and for the fans, the snub stung deeply. Justin Gaethje responded bluntly, saying he’d fight again only for a title shot. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, even threatened that the veteran would retire if he skipped the line. While Dana White dismissed it as “whacky,” Abdelaziz remains firm, stating that if the UFC books Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett, a growing rumor for early 2026, ‘The Highlight’ would walk away for good. “Justin Gaethje keeps giving the UFC favor after favor,” Abdelaziz claimed. “What has Paddy Pimblett done to deserve a shot over him?” It’s a valid question. Despite his popularity, ‘The Baddy’ has never defeated a ranked opponent, and most of his wins have come against aging veterans. He has not earned a title shot, and if he is handed the title match, that will, without a doubt, hurt the division. Justin Gaethje’s record speaks for itself. He has triumphed over some of the best fighters in the division, such as Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler, and Dustin Poirier. In fact, it was his knockout that started El Cucuy’s fall from grace. So it won’t be far-fetched for fans to claim that ‘The Highlight’ surely embodies the chaos and grit that helped shape the UFC’s lightweight legacy. Beyond merit, there’s timing. Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker will be unavailable until early 2026 as they clash in Doha, Qatar, on November 22. The Spanish-Georgian’s ideal opponent, Islam Makhachev, will fight Jack Della Maddalena for welterweight glory at UFC 322. Ilia Topuria does need to put his championship on the line soon. If not, he may as well kiss the division goodbye, and the best and only choice for him is Gaethje. This is the perfect fight for both fighters Leaving all the backstage politics and scheduling mess aside, this matchup has a poetic justice to it. 37-year-old Justin Gaethje is indeed nearing his retirement. There is only a handful of fighters who have given more to the UFC than Gaethje. A final opportunity at gold against the sport’s most dynamic new champion would be the perfect ending to his legendary career. Topuria, on the other hand, this bout will be the defense that can establish him as one of the best fighters in the Octagon. Beating up the American would validate his title far more than beating Paddy Pimblett or moving up to welterweight. Justin Gaethje’s constant attacking pressure, devastating leg kicks, and a chin that can withstand an RPG would surely put the Spanish-Georgian’s composure to the test in ways that ‘Do Bronx’ and Alexander Volkanovski could not. From a business standpoint, it’s a dream fight that Dana White should not miss out on. Together, they will sell the fight themselves and remind fans why lightweight is the UFC’s crown jewel.
