Ilia Topuria wants another opportunity against Justin Gaethje, but Israel Adesanya believes patience would serve him better. The former middleweight champion knows what chasing redemption feels like after his rivalry with Alex Pereira.The Israel Adesanya Ilia Topuria Justin Gaethje rematch discussion comes months after Topuria suffered his first professional defeat. Adesanya believes Topuria should rebuild before immediately chasing the man who took his lightweight championship.
Israel Adesanya Tells Topuria Not to Take Immediate Rematch
Adesanya discussed Topuria’s situation while reviewing the current UFC lightweight picture. His message to the former two-division champion was straightforward.
“I wouldn’t take that fight,” Adesanya said about an immediate Gaethje rematch. He believes Topuria should return against another opponent first. A victory could restore confidence before another potential championship opportunity.
Adesanya Uses Alex Pereira Rivalry as an Example
Adesanya’s opinion comes from personal experience. Pereira defeated him twice in kickboxing before following him into the UFC. The Brazilian then stopped Adesanya at UFC 281 to capture the middleweight championship.
Adesanya received an immediate rematch and knocked Pereira out at UFC 287. However, his history with Pereira had become deeply personal by that point. Adesanya understands the pressure that comes with trying to erase a painful defeat.
Justin Gaethje Handed Topuria His First Career Loss
Topuria entered UFC Freedom 250 with an unbeaten professional record and enormous momentum. He had previously captured UFC championships at featherweight and lightweight.
Gaethje changed everything on the White House lawn. He survived Topuria’s dangerous opening rounds before increasing his pressure. Topuria’s corner stopped the contest after Round 4, giving Gaethje the UFC lightweight championship.
Topuria Had Success Before Gaethje Took Control
The final result does not tell the complete story. Topuria started aggressively and badly hurt Gaethje during the second round. His body attacks appeared particularly dangerous.
Gaethje survived those moments and gradually changed the fight. His pressure increased as Topuria slowed. By the end of Round 4, Topuria had absorbed enough punishment that his corner ended the contest. UFC later selected the bout as its June Fight of the Month.
Topuria Suffered Serious Damage Against Gaethje
The physical consequences added another reason for caution. Reports after UFC Freedom 250 stated that Topuria suffered non-displaced fractures to both orbital bones.
He consequently faced an extended medical layoff after the defeat. That makes the timing of any comeback important. Topuria must recover physically before the UFC can seriously consider his next opponent.
Adesanya Understands the Desire for Revenge
Adesanya knows why Topuria might want the same opponent immediately. His rivalry with Pereira followed him across two combat sports and eventually into a UFC championship rematch.
However, every situation develops differently. Adesanya eventually produced one of his career’s defining moments against Pereira, but he does not believe Topuria needs to follow the same route against Gaethje.
Arman Tsarukyan Has Entered the Title Conversation
Adesanya believes another lightweight has done enough to challenge Gaethje first. Arman Tsarukyan strengthened his position with a spectacular victory at UFC 331.
Tsarukyan knocked out Mauricio Ruffy with two elbows at 4:56 of Round 1. The victory improved his professional record to 24-3 and extended his winning streak to six fights.
Adesanya Backs Tsarukyan for Gaethje Fight
Adesanya specifically supported Tsarukyan as the next lightweight title challenger. His argument gives Topuria another reason to avoid immediately pursuing Gaethje.
Tsarukyan has continued winning while Topuria recovers from his first professional defeat. The UFC has not officially confirmed Gaethje’s next challenger, but Tsarukyan has made his intentions clear following UFC 331.
Tsarukyan Made His Statement Against Mauricio Ruffy
Tsarukyan’s UFC 331 performance carried additional significance because Ruffy initially stopped his wrestling attacks. Tsarukyan could not simply control the Brazilian on the canvas.
Instead, he adjusted and finished a dangerous striker with elbows. That result gave him another method of victory during his current run and strengthened his argument for a championship opportunity.
UFC Matchmaking Could Decide Topuria’s Next Move
Topuria’s previous championship status makes him an obvious contender whenever he returns. However, former champions do not automatically receive immediate rematches after losing their belts.
The UFC must consider recovery time, available contenders and divisional momentum. Our guide explaining how UFC matchmaking works provides more context on how those factors can shape major fights.
Gaethje Has Already Questioned a Topuria Rematch
Gaethje has also pushed against the idea of immediately fighting Topuria again. Following UFC Freedom 250, he argued that their first fight produced a decisive enough result.
That position could make an immediate rematch even harder to arrange. Gaethje finally captured the undisputed UFC lightweight championship after previously falling short in two title challenges. He now has several potential directions for his first defense.
Topuria’s First Defeat Creates a New Career Challenge
Topuria had never needed to rebuild from a professional loss before facing Gaethje. He entered the White House event unbeaten after victories over several elite opponents.
That changes the importance of his next appearance. A comeback victory could allow Topuria to rebuild momentum without immediately returning to the opponent responsible for his first defeat.
Adesanya Believes One Win Could Change Everything
Adesanya’s advice does not mean abandoning another Gaethje fight permanently. Instead, his argument centers on timing.
Topuria could face another elite lightweight, prove that he has recovered and then revisit the championship picture. That route would also allow the division to develop while Gaethje potentially defends against another contender.
Tsarukyan Could Benefit Most From Adesanya’s Plan
If Topuria does not receive an immediate rematch, Tsarukyan becomes an obvious name in the discussion. His six-fight winning streak gives him substantial momentum after UFC 331.
Tsarukyan has also repeatedly demanded a championship opportunity. Whether UFC agrees remains uncertain, but Adesanya clearly believes the Armenian has earned his chance before Topuria gets another shot at Gaethje.
Final Thoughts
The Israel Adesanya Ilia Topuria Justin Gaethje rematch warning comes from someone who understands the desire for redemption. Adesanya eventually avenged his losses to Alex Pereira, but he does not believe Topuria needs to immediately follow the same path.
Topuria suffered his first professional defeat and significant damage against Gaethje. A comeback fight could give him time to rebuild before another championship push. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan’s six-fight winning streak gives the UFC another legitimate option for Gaethje’s next lightweight title defense.
FAQs
What did Israel Adesanya say about Ilia Topuria fighting Justin Gaethje again?
Adesanya advised Topuria against taking an immediate rematch. He believes the former champion should secure a comeback victory before pursuing Gaethje again.
How did Justin Gaethje beat Ilia Topuria?
Gaethje defeated Topuria by fourth-round TKO at UFC Freedom 250. Topuria’s corner stopped the fight after Round 4.
Was Justin Gaethje the first fighter to beat Ilia Topuria?
Yes. Gaethje handed Topuria his first professional MMA defeat and captured the undisputed UFC lightweight championship.
Who does Israel Adesanya think should fight Justin Gaethje next?
Adesanya backed Arman Tsarukyan for the next lightweight championship opportunity following Tsarukyan’s UFC 331 victory.
Could Ilia Topuria still get a Justin Gaethje rematch?
Yes, but the UFC has not announced an immediate rematch. Topuria’s recovery, Gaethje’s plans and other lightweight contenders could determine what happens next.
