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Justin Gaethje targets Conor McGregor after victory over Ilia Topuria

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 8:15 PM

Last updated Sep 2, 2026

Justin Gaethje targets Conor McGregor after victory over Ilia Topuria

Summary

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje recently secured a victory against Ilia Topuria at UFC White House. Gaethje views the result as an effective avenging of his previous losses to Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, who were both finished by Topuria. The champion expressed a desire to face Conor McGregor next, citing a personal interest in silencing the former titleholder. However, McGregor remains sidelined following a knee injury sustained during his loss to Holloway at UFC 329 this past July. With McGregor unavailable until 2027, Gaethje continues to evaluate other top contenders in the division, including Arman Tsarukyan, while waiting for the matchmakers to finalize his next title defense. The UFC has not yet confirmed an opponent for the lightweight title bout.

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By the Numbers

•Justin Gaethje holds the UFC lightweight championship title.
•Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria at the UFC White House event.
•Conor McGregor is sidelined with a knee injury sustained at UFC 329.
•McGregor is not expected to return to competition until 2027.

Latest Updates

8:15 PMYahoo Sports — MMA math! Justin Gaethje avenged losses to Holloway, Oliveira by smashing Ilia Topuria, sets sights on Conor McGregor

What they're saying

"
Newly-crowned UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje was knocked out by Max Holloway and submitted by Charles Oliveira, so that would give either combatant a strong argument for a shot at Gaethje’s 155-pound title. Or not. According to “The Highlight,” defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC White House already avenged those losses, since “El Matador” finished both […]
— Yahoo Sports

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