Justin Gaethje, ranked fifth in the UFC lightweight division, responded to rumors that division champion Ilia Topuria would fight Paddy Pimblett in January 2026 at UFC 324.
Justin Gaethje on his social media
My next fight, I’m planning on fighting whenever Ilia Topuria is fighting. I was hoping we’d fight him in January, but I can’t see that happening now. The biggest question is – when is Ilia fighting again? I don’t know the answer to that…best case scenario now, is they put us on the White House card. I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t put that fight on that card. He’s the champ, very popular, I’m an American and just as deserving as anybody in the lightweight division.
Gaethje last fought in the octagon in March 2025 at UFC 313, winning by unanimous decision over Rafael Fiziev. He has 26 wins and five losses.
Topuria’s most recent fight was against Charles Oliveira in June 2025 at UFC 317. In that fight, Ilia won by knockout in the first round and claimed the UFC lightweight championship. His record stands at 17 wins and no losses.
