Justin Gaethje rules out rematch with Ilia Topuria after UFC Freedom 250
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 8:19 PM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026
Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026, at the White House South Lawn. Despite Topuria's suggestion for a rematch, Gaethje stated on a podcast that Topuria, who needed assistance post-fight, does not deserve a second chance against him. Gaethje mentioned that Topuria should pursue fights against other opponents like Paddy Pimblett. The UFC executive team may consider other challengers for Gaethje before deciding on Topuria's future. Meanwhile, another major event is scheduled for July 11, featuring Conor McGregor against Max Holloway.
- •Gaethje won against Topuria by dominating four rounds at UFC Freedom 250.
- •Topuria admitted to losing vision and required support to exit the cage.
- •Gaethje announced plans to fight again but does not have a specific opponent in mind.
- •UFC decision-makers may prioritize other fighters before a potential Topuria rematch.
- •A significant card featuring McGregor vs. Holloway is set for July 11.
- 3:20 PMYahoo Sports — Justin Gaethje opts against UFC retirement, rejects Ilia Topuria rematch
- 3:00 PMMMA Fighting — ‘I stopped him twice that night’: Justin Gaethje doubles down on Ilia Topuria not deserving rematch after UFC White House - MMA Fighting
- 8:19 PMYahoo Sports — Justin Gaethje shuts down Ilia Topuria rematch after UFC Freedom 250
"After UFC Freedom 250, Justin Gaethje said Ilia Topuria doesn't get a rematch and suggested another fighter he should go against.
"Justin Gaethje has made a decision on his teased retirement and future after his UFC White House upset of Ilia Topuria.
"Justin Gaethje speaks to Joe Rogan about how he may have changed Ilia Topuria’s UFC and fighting future forever.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 21, 2026, 3:20 PMJustin Gaethje opts against UFC retirement, rejects Ilia Topuria rematch
Justin Gaethje has made a decision on his teased retirement and future after his UFC White House upset of Ilia Topuria.
- MMA FightingJun 21, 2026, 3:00 PM‘I stopped him twice that night’: Justin Gaethje doubles down on Ilia Topuria not deserving rematch after UFC White House - MMA Fighting
Justin Gaethje speaks to Joe Rogan about how he may have changed Ilia Topuria’s UFC and fighting future forever.
- Yahoo SportsJun 20, 2026, 8:19 PMJustin Gaethje shuts down Ilia Topuria rematch after UFC Freedom 250
After UFC Freedom 250, Justin Gaethje said Ilia Topuria doesn't get a rematch and suggested another fighter he should go against.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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