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Ilia Topuria looks destined to make his impending return to the UFC, with all signs pointing toward an instant rematch with Justin Gaethje for lightweight gold.
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If the rumored bout goes ahead, it will be the first time either man has fought since that historic night at the White House when the entire world stood still. A truly remarkable night of fights. But despite his near-flawless run to that point, many believe Topuria doesn’t warrant an instant rematch upon his first fight back in the octagon. Those fans insist he needs to prove himself again, and another clash with Gaethje in a moment when he’s trying to get back on track could be a potential career-altering mistake.
One of those men is Arman Tsarukyan. The lightweight contender is one impressive performance away from being next in line for a shot at Justin Gaethje’s throne. Tsarukyan could get behind an instant rematch if the fight was competitive, but with how it played out, Topuria doesn’t deserve a title opportunity, states the Armenian.
“I don’t think he deserves [another title shot] because the fight was not close,” Tsarukyan said. “Justin mauled him and just finished him, you know? If it was decision, close decision, yeah, it makes sense. But right now, no. No way.”
The clash between Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria was incredibly close. Both men absorbed sickening damage, were each close to being stopped, and put on a show in front of the world. But Tsarukyan doesn’t see it like that.
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The 29-year-old claims Topuria was completely outclassed, and if a rematch does materialize, Gaethje will one-up himself and deliver an even more dominant display.
“Even for him, it’s a bad matchup. They gotta give him some easy fight. Come back and then fight for the title.”
“Either a different result. Either even worse.”
Listen to Arman Tsarukyan’s thoughts below.
Arman Tsarukyan doesn’t think Ilia Topuria deserves an immediate rematch against Justin Gaethje 👀
“The fight was not close. Justin mauled him and just finished him… They gotta give him some easy fight, come back, and then fight for the title.” pic.twitter.com/nQEupcmzuC
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) September 17, 2026
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This story was originally published September 17, 2026 at 3:30 PM.