Jon Anik has hinted that the UFC could already be exploring a rematch between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Speaking on the Anik Bros YouTube channel, the UFC commentator said he has heard that officials are discussing the possibility of putting Topuria straight back into the lightweight title picture, despite Gaethje having only recently won the belt.
Topuria lost the lightweight championship to Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June, with his corner stopping the contest before the fifth round. While Gaethje has recently mentioned Conor McGregor as a potential opponent and played down rematches with Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, Anik believes Topuria remains firmly in the mix. If the reported discussions move forward, Topuria could get an immediate opportunity to reclaim the title in a high-profile rematch with Gaethje.
UFC Weighs Justin Gaethje vs Ilia Topuria Rematch for Lightweight Title
Speculation around an immediate rematch between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria has intensified, with UFC commentator Jon Anik suggesting the promotion is seriously considering the matchup. Speaking on the Anik Bros. YouTube channel, Anik said there is internal interest in putting the two lightweight stars back in the Octagon after their memorable UFC Freedom 250 clash. “I think there are internal conversations to potentially try to do Gaethje vs. Topuria 2,” Anik said. He acknowledged that Topuria could also face Paddy Pimblett, but believes another title fight would make sense given the scale of their first meeting. “I think there’s strong consideration there.”
Gaethje, however, has repeatedly made it clear that he does not want an immediate rematch. The 37-year-old believes Arman Tsarukyan is more deserving of the next title opportunity and has indicated that Topuria will not be his next opponent. Anik also suggested the decision may ultimately be out of Gaethje’s hands. “I don’t think it’s going to be up to Justin … I say that with all due respect,” Anik said, before adding, “I think Justin is far more concerned with his show money than with who he’s actually fighting.”
There is also a major physical hurdle for Gaethje. He has revealed that both of his hands remain injured from the Topuria fight and that he currently cannot punch anything, making a return before 2027 unlikely. Gaethje has said he plans to hold the lightweight title through the rest of the year after competing twice during the first half of 2026, while also admitting he is considering retirement. Despite those concerns, Anik believes the rematch would be a massive event. “I don’t know what Ilia Topuria’s timeline is,” he said. “But my non-informed speculation is that Gaethje vs. Topuria 2, a rematch, would be absolutely enormous, and I guess, predictively, that’s what I think is going to happen. At least right now, as we sit here in late August.”
Gaethje-Topuria Rematch Faces Competition From Tsarukyan and Other Lightweight Contenders
The lightweight division could still take a different direction, with Tsarukyan emerging as a strong contender. He is scheduled to face Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on September 19 in Los Angeles after his planned bout with Charles Oliveira fell through. Tsarukyan’s camp has indicated that a victory would put him in line for the next title shot, potentially making him the biggest obstacle to a Topuria rematch. Oliveira and Max Holloway also remain in the picture, with both fighters having previously defeated Gaethje.
Topuria’s own return date remains uncertain after he suffered significant facial injuries in his first professional defeat against Gaethje. The former featherweight and lightweight champion avoided surgery and has recently returned to the public eye, including with an emotional message to his son, Hugo, about the loss and his eventual comeback. That renewed activity has only added to speculation that Topuria could return in early 2027, although the UFC has yet to announce his next opponent.
For now, neither Topuria nor Gaethje has an officially confirmed next fight, leaving the lightweight title picture wide open. Anik believes the promotion has several major options available, including Topuria vs. Pimblett and Tsarukyan vs. Gaethje, but a second meeting between Gaethje and Topuria could carry the biggest commercial appeal. Whether the UFC can make that fight happen will largely depend on Gaethje’s recovery and the outcome of the division’s upcoming contenders’ bouts.
Also Read: FIBA World Cup 2026: Team USA Survives Italy Scare, Wins 55-52 in Thrilling Clash
